Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
If you’re missing any ingredients, fret not. You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter version, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the moment when anticipation starts building, and the kitchen becomes a hub of activity.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. As the meat begins to sizzle, I often recall Mama Lou’s gentle humming as she cooked, a soothing melody that added a sprinkle of love to every dish.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- While the beef mixture simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sour cream, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The creamy mixture reminds me of the playful banter between Ouma and me as we debated who could make the cheesiest smile.
- Layer the macaroni mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the casserole, creating a blanket of cheesy goodness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The irresistible aroma will beckon everyone to the table, much like the Pied Piper of comfort food.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International