Cheesy Ground Beef & Tomato Bake

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Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef & Tomato Bake

A savory blend of seasoned ground beef, vibrant tomatoes, and a bubbling blanket of mozzarella and parmesan.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 25 minutes

  • Servings: 6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85% lean)

  • 1 small Onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, drained (or fresh cherry tomatoes halved)

  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

  • Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.

  3. Season: Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Combine: Fold in the diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes to reduce any excess moisture.

  5. Layer: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.

  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.

  7. Bake: Place in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

  8. Garnish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes & Tips

  • Drain the Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain them well. Too much liquid will make the casserole “soupy” rather than “cheesy.”

  • Veggie Boost: You can add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini slices to the meat mixture for extra nutrients.

  • The Crust: For a crispier top, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking, but watch it closely!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 385 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Carbs: 5g (Net)

  • Fiber: 1g

Benefits

  • Keto/Low-Carb Friendly: Excellent for those monitoring blood sugar or on a ketogenic diet.

  • High Protein: Great for muscle recovery and satiety.

  • One-Pan Cleanup: If you use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron), you can do the whole thing in one pan!

Q&A

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead? A: Absolutely! Just be sure to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning, as turkey and chicken are leaner and can dry out.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I freeze this? A: Yes. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

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