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Cheesy Comfort Casserole

Cheesy Comfort Casserole

A cozy, family-style pasta bake layered with a creamy sauce, hearty beef, and plenty of melty cheese. Perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz dry elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.75 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened room temperature blends best
  • 0.75 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs for topping
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Boil macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it up. Drain excess fat.
  • Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Toss drained pasta with the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
  • Layer half the creamy pasta in the dish. Spoon on half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella.
  • Repeat layers with remaining pasta and sauce. Top with remaining cheeses.
  • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Scatter over the top.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Variation: Swap half the beef for Italian sausage or stir in a handful of spinach with the sauce. For a crispier top, broil the last 1–2 minutes. Leftovers reheat well; store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cheesy Comfort Casserole flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.