A hearty and flavorful Tuscan Beef Casserole that combines ground beef, beans, and pasta, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Author:Nicole Grace
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.