Daddy Casserole

Hearty, comforting, and bursting with rich flavors, Daddy Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that brings everyone to the table. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a vibrant mix of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, all perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs. Cream cheese and shredded cheddar add a creamy, gooey finish, while a crispy, golden topping seals in the goodness. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a 40-minute bake, this one-dish wonder makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor, and watch this hearty casserole become a staple in your household. Perfect for busy evenings, meal preps, or potlucks, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 2 cups, uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon, chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, meat sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1967.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3460.3

Total Fat 217.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 106.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 657.7mg	0%
Sodium 5476.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 209.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 35.1g
Protein 176.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1990.3mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 2220.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 23.9%