Description
Hearty Tuscan beef casserole delight blends rustic Italian flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Robust herbs, tender meat, and rich tomato sauce create a soul-warming meal that connects you with Tuscany’s culinary heart.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
Vegetables:
- 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 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Enhance the vegetable medley by incorporating garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, continuing to cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a rich color.
- Create a robust meat layer by introducing ground beef into the skillet, strategically positioning it away from the vegetables. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles, and drain any excess fat.
- Develop complex flavors by pouring tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together for 10 minutes.
- Transition the dish to baking preparation by preheating the oven to 375F (190C). Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Elevate the casserole’s texture and taste by sprinkling cheese and breadcrumbs across the top for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling cheese topping and appetizing golden-brown surface. Rest the dish for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and enhance.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner dish.
- Customize vegetable mix by adding zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variation.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier or vegetarian options.
- Enhance flavor depth by deglazing the skillet with red wine after cooking beef, capturing those delicious browned bits for richer taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg