Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight Recipe
Tuscan Beef Casserole Delight is a hearty and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato flavors baked to perfection with a cheesy golden crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, blending Italian-inspired seasonings with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish. Evenly spread the shredded cheese over the top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using for an extra crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but add a delightful crunch to the topping.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an added fresh herbal flavor.
- Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a different depth of flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Tuscan beef casserole, Italian casserole, ground beef recipe, baked beef dish, cheesy beef casserole