Ingredients:
**For the Casserole:**
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook the Beef:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Add Vegetables:**
– Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:**
– Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. **Combine with Pasta:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until well combined.
6. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Spread half of the pasta and beef mixture into a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
– Add the remaining pasta and beef mixture on top.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
8. **Serve:**
– Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your cheesy beef and pasta casserole as a comforting and hearty meal!