Description
If you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food that’s easy to throw together and guaranteed to satisfy, this Missouri Casserole is your answer. It’s packed with ground beef, tender noodles, tangy tomato sauce, and lots of gooey cheese, all baked into a bubbly golden perfection. Ideal for easy dinner nights, quick meal prep, or even crowd-pleasing potlucks, this classic casserole brings warmth to the table every single time. Whether you’re searching for “easy dinner ideas,” a “quick family meal,” or a reliable “comfort food recipe,” this one earns its spot on the favorites list.
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
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of pasta, then a layer of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor—pre-shredded can clump and resist melting.
Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it set and slice cleanly.
You can make this ahead and refrigerate or freeze it—just add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: comfort food, easy dinner, casserole, family meal, ground beef, pasta bake