Craving a comforting, delicious meal that doesn't require hours of prep and oven time? Then look no further! This stove top casserole recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly easy and delivers big on flavor. It's homemade cooking at its finest, and you'll be surprised how quickly you can whip up this delicious dish. This recipe is truly one of the best recipes for those seeking a satisfying and simple meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add Macaroni and Cheese: Gently stir in the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese (if using). Continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade stovetop casserole!
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Pre-cook your macaroni: This ensures it's fully cooked and prevents it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can be dry. Aim for a nice brown color.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to add other spices like oregano, basil, or chili powder to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Pepper jack or Colby Jack would also be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetable Medley: Add a cup of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This stove top casserole recipe is a fantastic option for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. It's a flexible recipe, easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!