Description
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.
- Add beans like cannellini for extra protein.
- Simmer sauce to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
