Description

Missouri Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of savory ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a rich tomato sauce, combined with tender egg noodles and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden, bubbly perfection and is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

12 ounces egg noodles or rotini, cooked al dente
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
Make the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles or rotini in salted boiling water until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Assemble casserole layers: Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow with a layer of cooked pasta, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Brown the cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly.
Rest the casserole: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set and make serving easier.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
Pasta can be substituted with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American