Meat and Tomato Casserole

Meat and tomato casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Meat and Tomato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your choice of herbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Optional: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (like basil or parsley)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, cooked rice or pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using mixed vegetables, add them here as well.
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
   • Pour the meat and tomato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
5. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Make it Your Own: Feel free to add spices or other vegetables based on your preferences.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

This meat and tomato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!