Description

This cheesy meat lovers casserole is pure comfort food — loaded with savory meat, gooey cheese, and a hearty pasta base. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef – can use ground turkey for a lighter option
1 pound Italian sausage – chicken sausage works too
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups elbow macaroni – penne is a great substitute
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – cheddar blend optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
Mix pasta with meat mixture in a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Transfer mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with parsley.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. For variety, try swapping mozzarella with provolone or gouda. Leftovers heat up wonderfully for next-day meals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: casserole, meat lovers, cheesy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake