Ingredients
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
Browning the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Adding Aromatics & Sauce
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
Combining with Pasta
- Add the drained macaroni into the beef mixture and stir well to coat.
Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the beef-pasta mixture in the dish, sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese. Add the remaining mixture, then top with mozzarella and the rest of the cheddar.
Baking the Casserole
- Place uncovered in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serving
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
