Amazing Baking Recipes: Easy 30-Minute Casserole

Amazing Baking Recipes is my go-to when I need a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a cozy, cheesy casserole that comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have.

One evening, I was craving something warm and satisfying, but I was short on time. I threw together this dish using what was in my fridge, and it was an instant hit with my family. The best part? It's incredibly versatile and forgiving.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers on flavor and convenience. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover veggies or proteins.

About the Ingredients

2 cups (250g) elbow macaroni

Use any short pasta like shells or penne. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite GF pasta.

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Ground turkey or Italian sausage work well too. If using sausage, adjust the salt.

1 medium onion, diced

About 1 cup. Shallots or leeks can be substituted for a milder flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky flavor. Crushed tomatoes also work.

1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce

Tomato paste mixed with water can replace this if needed.

1 cup (240ml) beef broth

Chicken or vegetable broth works too. For a richer flavor, use a splash of red wine.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs can be used if you have them.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste. If using salted broth, reduce this.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best.

1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses works well. Shred your own for better melting.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds the most flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the pasta

boil it 2 minutes less than the package directions, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Drain the fat from the beef

after browning, spoon out excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.

Make it ahead

assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and boil pasta

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spoon. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

4. Combine with pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. The mixture should be saucy; if it seems dry, add a splash of broth.

5. Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

6. Bake until bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian

Replace the ground beef with a can of drained chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth.

Spicy

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion.

Cheesy herb

Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 teaspoon dried oregano before baking.

How to Store Amazing Baking Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy this Amazing Baking Recipes casserole as much as we do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Happy growing!

Amazing Baking Recipes

Amazing Baking Recipes: a hearty, cheesy 30-minute casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under an hour.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings385 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) elbow macaroni
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and boil pasta — Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. 2Brown the beef — In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spoon. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3Add the sauce — Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. 4Combine with pasta — Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. The mixture should be saucy; if it seems dry, add a splash of broth.
5. 5Transfer to baking dish — Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
6. 6Bake until bubbly — Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. 7Rest and serve — Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights. Feel free to double the recipe for a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Nutrition (per serving): 385 kcal · 25g protein · 38g carbs · 15g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about urban gardening and sustainable living, focusing on small-space solutions and budget-friendly projects. She shares practical tips for growing food in apartments and balconies.