Cheeseburger Casserole

 Quick and tasty meal to make.  I like fry a little bread dough to go along with it and have a toss salad.

CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground beef

*1 yellow onion, chopped

*1 green bell pepper, chopped

*3 garlic cloves minced

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon dried oregano 

*1 teaspoon dried basil

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

*1 quart stewed tomatoes (or put a couple packages of grape tomatoes in the blender. Blend until smooth  and use them)

*1 cup beef stock (can use chicken if you prefer)

*1/2 pound ricotta cheese

*1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

*1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 

*1 1/2 cups thin dried egg noodles

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

~In a large stock pot, cook noodles until Al dente (almost done), drain and set aside.

~In a large skillet, add ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.  Break up meat as it cooks.

~Cook until ground beef is browned and veggies are tender.

~Drain any excess grease.

~Add in 1 quart stewed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon parsley flakes. 

~Stir until well combined and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. 

~In a large bowl, mix 1/2 pound ricotta cheese, 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese together until well combined.

~Stir into hamburger mixture.

~Pour into prepared pan.

~Sprinkle 2 cups shredded over top of mixture.

~Place a piece of aluminum foil over top and bake for 15-20 minutes.

~Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.