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Beef Ricotta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

This Beef Ricotta Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring lean ground beef cooked with mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a flavorful blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses combined with fresh herbs. Baked to cheesy, bubbly perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.

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

Sauces and Vinegars

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Cheeses and Herbs

  • 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 get it ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Brown the Beef and Sauté 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 to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
  3. Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Transfer this meat and sauce mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, fresh oregano, and rosemary. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the herbs and cheeses.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly on top of the meat and sauce in the casserole dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content but maintain creaminess.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and rosemary if fresh are not available.
  • Make sure the skillet is hot enough to properly brown the beef for the best flavor.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh for convenience.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: beef casserole, ricotta casserole, baked beef dish, cheesy beef casserole, ground beef recipe

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