Beef Ricotta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Beef Ricotta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory ground beef with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 red onion, small dice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, then simmer the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes. Transfer this mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, fresh oregano, and rosemary. Mix well, then spread this cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce in the casserole dish.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while cooking.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
• Use part skim or whole milk ricotta depending on your preference for richness.
• Add chopped spinach or kale into the meat mixture for a boost of greens.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for the beef for a different flavor or leaner option.

Beef Ricotta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 103 reviews

This Beef Ricotta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines lean ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a flavorful tomato sauce base, topped with a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Baked to bubbling perfection, it makes a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 red onion, small dice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra lean ground beef until fully cooked. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften and the vegetables are fragrant.
3. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.
4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh oregano, and fresh rosemary until well combined.
6. Top and Bake: Spoon and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the meat mixture in the casserole dish. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Notes

• Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
• Fresh herbs enhance the flavor significantly; if unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and rosemary.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat variation.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; increase bake time by 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
• Serve with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Beef casserole, ricotta casserole, baked beef dish, cheesy beef bake, ground beef recipe, healthy casserole