Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
• For the Topping:
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef and vegetable mixture with the cooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set up for easier slicing.

Nutritional Analysis and Health Benefits:

• Calories: Each serving provides approximately 400-450 calories.
• Protein: Rich in protein from ground beef and cheese, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Carbohydrates: Moderate carbohydrate content from macaroni, providing energy.
• Fats: Contains fats from beef, cheese, and sour cream, which contribute to the dish’s richness and flavor.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Provides iron from the beef and calcium from the cheese, both essential for health.

Health Impact:

• Muscle Health: High protein content supports muscle maintenance and growth.
• Bone Health: Calcium from cheese is crucial for bone strength.
• Energy Levels: Balanced macronutrients provide sustained energy release.
• Heart Health: While the dish is hearty and satisfying, it contains saturated fat and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those managing cardiovascular health.

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners. It combines the heartiness of beef with the gooey goodness of melted cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, making it a complete meal that is sure to please. While it offers nutritional benefits, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet due to its calorie and fat content.