CRAZY GOOD CASSEROLE

Origin and Region:
The origin of the Crazy Good Casserole recipe is not tied to a specific region but rather is a popular comfort food dish enjoyed in various parts of the United States. It belongs to the tradition of hearty, family-friendly casseroles that are commonly found in American cuisine.

Introduction:
Crazy Good Casserole is a delicious and satisfying one-dish meal that combines ground beef, pasta, cheese, and vegetables in a creamy tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. This comforting casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Tips:

  • For added flavor, you can brown the ground beef with some Worcestershire sauce or steak seasoning.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetables in this casserole according to your preferences. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be great additions.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked pasta instead of cooking it from scratch.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni, meat sauce, and cheese.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Description:
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together classic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite for family dinners and potluck gatherings.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g

(Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and serving size.)

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