Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible Cheesy Beef and Tomato Bake. Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a decadent cheese blend, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
US Measurements:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 cups grated mozzarella
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Metric Measurements:
- 680g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5g Italian seasoning
- 3g salt
- 1g black pepper
- 400g canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 120ml sour cream
- 25g grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 170g grated mozzarella
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect cooking temperature for a golden, bubbly casserole.
- Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic. Break the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks to ensure uniform texture.
- Remove Excess Fat Carefully drain any excess fat from the beef mixture. This step helps prevent a greasy final dish and allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Season the Beef Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture In a separate mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a rich and creamy topping.
- Assemble the Casserole Spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. This creates the first layer of the casserole.
- Add Cheese Layer Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the beef, creating an even layer that will add incredible richness to the dish.
- Top with Mozzarella Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown cheese top and bubbling edges.
- Finish and Garnish Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Expert Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with a light green salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp white wine or cold beer complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, to maintain the casserole’s texture.
Enjoy this ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table!