Description
Missouri Casserole is a comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, savory tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 12 ounces egg noodles or rotini, cooked al dente
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles or rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by a layer of mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven to set up, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired, for a fresh flavor and attractive presentation.
Notes
- Using freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
- If preferred, swap egg noodles with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce provides a subtle kick of heat.
