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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/beef-ricotta-casserole-recipe/