Hearty Cheesy Baked Casserole (Printable Version)
Comforting baked casserole with seasoned meat, mixed vegetables, pasta, and gooey cheddar-mozzarella topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until well browned. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
04 - Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked pasta and sour cream, stirring until evenly blended.
06 - Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
07 - Transfer the prepared mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
08 - Scatter the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole. If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
09 - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
10 - Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- This casserole pulls together pantry staples and whatever odds and ends need using, so it feels like a little kitchen magic every time.
- The cheesy, bubbling top draws everyone to the table before you even have a chance to call for dinner.
02 -
- Covering the casserole right out of the oven traps steam and makes the crispy top soggy—learned that the hard way.
- Draining canned tomatoes thoroughly keeps the base rich, not watery, for every scoop.
03 -
- Saving some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a last-minute sprinkle adds brightness that cuts the richness just right.
- If doubling for a crowd, use two pans rather than one deep dish so the middle cooks fully and the top still gets crispy.