Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz ziti pasta, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (optional, for topping)
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat and sauce mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is coated evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optional: sprinkle chopped dill pickles and sesame seeds over the top for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Serve this delicious Cheeseburger Ziti Casserole warm and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors. It pairs well with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
This Cheeseburger Ziti Casserole is sure to become a family favorite and a hit with your readers. Feel free to customize it with your preferred toppings or additional ingredients. Happy blogging and bon appétit!
