Hearty Beef & Pasta Comfort Bake
This hearty beef and pasta comfort bake is a perfect easy weeknight meal, packed with flavor and sure to please the whole family. It combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Equipment
- Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers optional, for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced tomatoes with their juice, and Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat, then gently fold in cooked elbow macaroni, mixed frozen vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and if desired, scatter crushed crackers over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
For an extra crunch, the crushed butter crackers on top really elevate this dish. Feel free to use your favorite cheese for topping, like a sharp cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses.