Hearty Cheesy Baked Casserole (Printable Version)
Comforting baked casserole with seasoned meat, pasta, mixed veggies and a golden cheesy crust—simple weeknight comfort.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn
→ Pantry
06 - 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained
07 - 2 cups cooked pasta such as penne or rotini
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy & Cheese
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/2 cup sour cream
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, optional
16 - 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
04 - Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold in cooked pasta and sour cream until contents are thoroughly mixed.
06 - Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to distribute evenly.
07 - Transfer the casserole mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
08 - Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
09 - Bake in the center of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help set and ease portioning.
# Quick Tips:
01 -
- This casserole comes out gooey and golden every time, even if you’re distracted by conversation or kids at your feet.
- It layers together pantry and freezer staples, so you can always whip it up without a grocery run.
02 -
- If you forget to drain the canned tomatoes, prepare for a soupy surprise—always drain thoroughly.
- Mixing cheese into the filling, not just topping, is the secret to those irresistible melty pockets.
03 -
- Shredding your own cheese gives a better melt than pre-shredded blends.
- Let the casserole sit before slicing for neat, picture-worthy squares.