Hearty Homestyle Beef Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Hearty Homestyle Beef Bake is your perfect comfort dish for any season. It's a simple, satisfying meal that combines savory beef with tangy tomatoes and gooey cheese for a family-friendly dinner. Make it once, and it'll surely become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle Beef Bake

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this bake, providing protein and rich flavor. Choose lean beef for less grease. Onion and garlic are essential for adding depth and aroma. A can of tomato sauce and another of diced tomatoes provide the tangy, juicy base that binds everything together. Cooked elbow macaroni adds texture and makes the dish filling. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a delightful, bubbly topping, while sour cream adds creaminess with a slight tang. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the seasoning.
  • Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to prevent a greasy dish.
  • You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This beef bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad on the side for some fresh contrast. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a delightful companion, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or any short pasta will work well.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven or microwave before serving.

Hearty Homestyle Beef Bake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns for about 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef. Sauté until the onion is soft, which takes another 2–3 minutes.

Now, pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring this flavorful mix to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pan, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasoning.

With your sauce ready, fold in the cooked elbow macaroni. Once the pasta is well coated, stir in the sour cream for a creamy touch. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving, just enough to set but still warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep: Ready for the oven in under 30 minutes.
  • Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
  • Kid-approved: Simple flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
  • One-dish meal: Easy cleanup with minimal pots and pans.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Mix in the cooked elbow macaroni followed by the sour cream.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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