🧀 Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Tomato Bake: The Comfort Food That Gets All The Likes! 🍅

🧀 Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Tomato Bake: The Comfort Food That Gets All The Likes!

(Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes – Prep Time: 20 minutes – Cook Time: 30 minutes – Serves: 6-8)

There’s just something about a bubbling, golden-brown casserole straight from the oven. It’s the ultimate hug in a dish, and this Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Tomato Bake is guaranteed to be your new family favorite. Packed with savory ground beef, a rich, zesty tomato sauce, and smothered in a blanket of perfectly melted, bubbly cheese, this recipe is pure comfort food magic. Forget complicated dinners—this hearty bake is simple to put together and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient List

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, honest ingredients that work together to create an irresistible depth of flavor.

For the Savory Base:

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped

1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for extra zest!)

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce

1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil

1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (for a little kick!)

1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup Beef Broth (optional, for a richer sauce)

1 Large Bell Pepper (Red or Green), diced (Optional, as seen in some variations of the dish)

1/2 lb Short Pasta (like Penne, Ziti, or Macaroni), cooked al dente (Optional, but makes it even heartier!)

The Cheesy Topping:

2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Whole milk melts best!)

1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Italian Blend Cheese (for extra flavor)

1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish, essential for that photo-ready finish!)

👩‍🍳 The Process: Step-by-Step Perfection

Follow these easy steps to bring this crowd-pleaser to life.

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you are using pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2-3 minutes less than package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Now, add the ground beef (and sausage, if using). Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: The Rich, Hearty Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (if using). Add the Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed!

Step 4: The Assembly

If you’re using pasta, gently fold the cooked, al dente pasta into the meat sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. (If you are omitting pasta, simply pour the meat sauce straight into the dish).

Step 5: The Golden Cheese Crown

In a small bowl, combine the shredded Mozzarella, Cheddar/Italian blend, and half of the grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this generous cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring every bit of the meaty sauce is covered. This cheesy blanket is what gives the bake its signature look!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese topping is completely melted, golden brown, and delightfully crusty.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes—this is crucial! It allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Before slicing, sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan and the fresh, chopped parsley for that final vibrant pop of color. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad!

✨ Pro-Tips for Maximum “Likeability”

Make it Ahead: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! Assemble the dish completely (Step 1 through 5), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.

The Cheese Mix: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Using a blend of mozzarella (for the incredible stretch) and a sharper cheese like cheddar or provolone (for flavor) is the secret to the ultimate cheesy crust.

For a Lighter Crust: If your cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Enjoy this incredible dish! Don’t forget to take a picture of your gorgeous, bubbly casserole and tag us when you share it!