She Strengthens

Comforting Casserole for the Whole Family

A Hearty, Satisfying Meal

Looking for a dish that will please both kids and adults alike? This simple yet comforting casserole is the perfect solution. With a flavorful combination of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

To start, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until slightly underdone. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until tender. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Then, stir in tomato paste, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Building the Casserole

Next, add flour to the beef mixture, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Gradually stir in milk, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a 5-quart baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 6

Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium red bell peppers, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese