A cozy, flavorful casserole that brings the rustic essence of Tuscany straight to my kitchen. This Tuscan Beef Casserole is filled with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs all simmered in a rich tomato base. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never fails to impress with its comforting warmth and hearty taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe blends simplicity with deep, satisfying flavor. The combination of slow-cooked beef, sweet vegetables, and Italian herbs creates a comforting meal that feels both homely and gourmet. It’s incredibly versatile too—I can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or easily adjust the ingredients to suit my taste or dietary preferences. The golden, cheesy crust on top adds the perfect finishing touch that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
Sauté the Vegetables
I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, I sauté the onion for a few minutes until it turns translucent before adding the garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. I cook them until tender but still slightly crisp, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
Cook the Beef
Next, I move the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef. I brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish light yet hearty.
Combine Ingredients
I stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, seasoning everything with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Letting it simmer for about 10 minutes helps the flavors deepen beautifully.
Assemble the Casserole
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, I pour the beef mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle it with cheese, and add breadcrumbs if I want extra crunch.
Bake and Serve
I bake it for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. After letting it rest for 10 minutes, it’s ready to serve—perfectly rich, savory, and comforting.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 people and takes roughly 1 hour total—30 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. It’s ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Variations
I like switching things up by using:
Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier twist.
Vegetarian option: swapping the beef for lentils, mushrooms, and eggplant.
Mediterranean flair: adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes.
Mexican touch: using taco seasoning and topping with Monterey Jack cheese.
Each variation adds a fresh personality to the dish while keeping the comforting Tuscan heart intact.
Storage/Reheating
I always make extra because this casserole keeps so well.
Refrigerate: Once cooled, I store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) keeps it tasting fresh.
Freeze: I freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven or microwave.
Meal prep tip: I like freezing single portions for easy weekday lunches.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes! I often assemble it a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When it’s dinner time, I simply bake it as directed.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that my tomato sauce and broth are gluten-free.
3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
I love using mozzarella for its meltiness or Parmesan for a stronger, nutty flavor. Sometimes I even mix the two for balance.
4. Can I add beans for more protein?
Yes! Cannellini or kidney beans add texture and heartiness. I just make sure to drain them well so the casserole doesn’t become too wet.
5. How do I avoid a watery casserole?
I avoid overloading on vegetables and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. This keeps the casserole rich and cohesive.
Conclusion
Tuscan Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish I turn to when I crave something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of savory beef, colorful vegetables, and Italian herbs never fails to bring warmth to the table. It’s easy to customize, make ahead, and enjoy again as leftovers.
Cooking this dish reminds me that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. Every spoonful brings the comforting essence of Tuscany right to my home, and I know it will do the same for anyone who makes it
This Tuscan Beef Casserole is a cozy, hearty dish made with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and Italian herbs, all topped with melted cheese and optional breadcrumbs. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until tender.
Move vegetables to one side and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage for variations.
Use lentils, mushrooms, and eggplant for a vegetarian version.
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.
