Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, corn, black beans, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour meat sauce over macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and cheesy casserole with Italian flavors
- Easy to make and ready in under an hour
- Comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a cold night
User Comments:
- "This casserole is a family favorite! It's so flavorful and filling."
- "I love the combination of macaroni, cheese, and sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal."
- "I've made this casserole several times and it always turns out great. My guests always rave about it!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- If you don't have macaroni, you can use any other short pasta shape.
- To make the casserole ahead of time, prepare it according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through.