Hearty Cheesy Baked Casserole (Print)
Layers of seasoned meat, pasta, vegetables and melted cheddar baked until bubbly and golden.
# What You 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
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are soft.
04 - Add 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. Add cooked pasta and sour cream, stirring until thoroughly combined.
06 - Gently mix in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
07 - Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
08 - Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. If using, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
09 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
10 - Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This casserole sneaks veggies and comforting flavor into one dish, so you only have one pan to clean up after dinner.
- It became a steady favorite because leftovers taste just as dreamy the next day, even straight from the fridge.
02 -
- Don’t skip draining the tomatoes or you’ll end up with a watery base.
- I learned the hard way that overcooked pasta turns mushy—al dente is king.
03 -
- Sharp cheddar gives the deepest flavor but blend with mozzarella for perfect meltiness.
- Mix the pasta and veggies gently so you don’t break up the noodles—they should stay plump.