Hearty Beef and Macaroni Tomato Bake
This Hearty Beef and Macaroni Tomato Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that brings together grounding ingredients like lean ground beef, al dente pasta, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Infused with garlic, oregano, and basil, every bite is a delightful blend of savory goodness, topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect golden finish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or to share with family and friends, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
garlic cloves
5-6 (minced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (undrained)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (canned)
elbow macaroni or bow tie pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef and Macaroni Tomato Bake?
It is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring lean ground beef, pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a cheesy mozzarella and Parmesan topping.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You can use 8 ounces of either elbow macaroni or bow tie pasta.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the bake?
The ingredient list specifies 8 ounces of uncooked pasta.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 5 to 6 minced garlic cloves for a savory flavor.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
What size tomato sauce can is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What types of cheese are in this recipe?
The bake is topped with 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe includes one chopped onion and one chopped green bell pepper.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it convenient for preparation and cleanup.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, its comforting flavors and cheesy topping make it an ideal choice for families.
What is the preparation for the onion and bell pepper?
Both the onion and the green bell pepper should be chopped before being added to the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this Hearty Beef and Macaroni Tomato Bake.
Can I substitute the lean ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could likely substitute ground turkey or chicken for a similar profile.
What is the final finish of the dish?
The dish is baked until it achieves a perfect golden finish from the melted cheeses.
Is the garlic used whole or minced?
The garlic should be minced to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, beef, macaroni, pasta, one dish meal, comfort food, cheesy, and family-friendly.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifically calls for one green bell pepper.
Is this an easy weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the texture of the pasta?
The pasta is intended to be al dente, providing a nice bite within the casserole.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients for this savory tomato bake.
What is the main aromatic base?
The aromatic base consists of garlic, onion, and green bell pepper.
Can I use shredded Parmesan instead of grated?
Yes, shredded Parmesan can be used as a substitute for grated Parmesan.
How much mozzarella is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a comfort food due to its hearty and cheesy nature.
What gives the dish its savory goodness?
The combination of beef, garlic, oregano, basil, and tomato products creates its deep savory flavor.