This recipe combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty and comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or other preferred pasta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in steak seasoning, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and dill pickles to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef mixture, cooked pasta, and cheddar cheese. Stir well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground sausage.
- Add other vegetables you like, such as chopped mushrooms or frozen peas.
- If your casserole seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.