Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (Halal)
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2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth (Halal)
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2 teaspoons dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Halal)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Halal)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrition)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
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Ground Beef: Use Halal-certified ground beef for a rich, savory base. Ground beef adds both flavor and protein to the casserole.
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Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella cheese create a creamy, gooey texture that holds everything together and gives the casserole its signature cheesy goodness.
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Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These provide a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that ties the entire casserole together.
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Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but any type of short pasta works well in this dish, such as penne or rotini.
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Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano, basil, and onion powder add layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Beef:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Season the Beef: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine and Bake:
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Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until everything is well combined. If using peas, fold them in at this stage.
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Layer in Casserole Dish: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 45minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g