The Comfort of a Cheesy Hug
The first time I smelled this casserole, my kitchen felt like home. Rich beef, tangy tomato, and melted cheese swirled together. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple pasta bake into something unforgettable? This dish wraps you in warmth, like a favorite sweater. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave cozy flavors fast. What’s your go-to comfort food? Share below!My Cheesy (Almost) Disaster
My first try ended with noodles stuck to the pot. I forgot to stir halfway! But the cheesy sauce saved it. Cooking teaches us to adapt—like life, it’s messy but rewarding. Now I set a timer to avoid mistakes. Home-cooked meals connect us, flaws and all. Have you ever salvaged a kitchen mishap? Tell me your story!Why This Dish Shines
• The sour cream adds a creamy tang that balances the savory beef. • Melty cheddar on top gives a crispy-gooey contrast. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the tomato paste’s depth or the garlic’s punch? Try it and decide!A Brief Bite of History
This casserole blends Italian pasta with American pantry staples. It’s a 1950s classic, born from busy home cooks needing quick meals. *Did you know tomato paste was a wartime staple for its long shelf life?* Today, it’s still a weeknight hero. What’s your family’s vintage recipe? Let’s swap stories!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound | |
| Chopped onion | ½ cup | |
| Tomato paste | 2 Tablespoons | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | more to taste |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Oregano | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Dry elbow noodles | 1 ½ cups | |
| Beef broth | 3 ½ cups | |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup | at room temperature |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1-2 cups |
Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole
Step 1 Brown the beef and onions in a pot. Break it up as it cooks. Drain extra grease if needed. Onions should be soft but not burnt.
Step 2 Add tomato paste and spices. Stir well to coat the beef. Toss in dry noodles and broth. Simmering blends the flavors fast.
Step 3 Cover and cook until noodles are tender. Stir halfway to avoid sticking. Check for doneness at 10 minutes. (Hard-learned tip: Undercook noodles slightly—they’ll soften more later.)
Step 4 Mix in sour cream and half the cheese. Stir until creamy and melted. Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 5 Top with remaining cheese and let it melt. Broil for a crispy top if you like. Serve hot for the best texture. What’s your go-to cheese for casseroles? Share below! Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4–6 servings Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
3 Fun Twists on This Classic
Spicy Kick Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Veggie-Packed Swap beef for mushrooms or lentils. Toss in spinach or bell peppers.
Tex-Mex Style Stir in taco seasoning and black beans. Top with crushed tortilla chips. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas & Perfect Pairings
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Add pickles for a tangy crunch. Drink pairing: Iced tea or a cold lager. For kids, try apple juice or milk. Which would you choose tonight? Tell us below!
Store It Right for Later
Got leftovers? Let the casserole cool before storing. Fridge keeps it fresh for 3 days. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. *Fun fact: Sour cream helps keep the sauce creamy after reheating.* Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth. Double the recipe for easy batch cooking. Why this matters: Meal prep saves time on busy nights. Who else loves a ready-to-go dinner?Fix Common Kitchen Hiccups
Pasta too mushy? Cook noodles 1 minute less next time. Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for 2-3 extra minutes. Cheese not melting? Shred it finer or broil for 30 seconds. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big flavor wins. My grandkids once added extra cheese—no regrets! Ever had a casserole fail? Share your save-the-dish tricks below.Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap regular noodles for gluten-free elbows. Check broth labels too.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Assemble everything but cheese. Add cheese before baking or reheating.
Q: What’s a good beef swap?
A: Try ground turkey or lentils for a lighter twist.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes! Use a smaller pot and adjust cook time slightly.
Q: Best side dish pairings?
A: Garlic bread or a crisp green salad. What’s your go-to side?
Let’s Keep Cooking Together
This casserole is my weeknight hero. Hope it becomes yours too.Tag @SpoonSway on Pinterest with your cheesy creations!
Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole in 30 Minutes
Description
A quick and comforting cheesy beef pasta casserole ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook one pound ground beef and 1/2 cup onion over medium heat. Break apart the beef with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any grease, if needed.
- Stir in 2 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon oregano. Cook 1 minute. Stir in 1 1/2 cups dry noodles and 3 1/2 cups broth.
- Bring to a light simmer and cover with a lid. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Remove from heat and pour off any extra liquid, if needed. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream and about 3/4 cup of cheese. Stir until melted. Season to taste.
- Sprinkle 1/2-1 cup shredded cheese over the top and cover with the lid until cheese is melted. You could also broil the cheese for a minute if desired. Serve while hot.
Beef, Pasta, Casserole, Cheese, Quick
