cheesy cheeseburger casserole

By dette

Forgive me for getting a little "cheesy" ehre, but that's just what this one-dish wonder is all about: cheese. Everything we love about melted cheese-rich, ooey, gooyness-is right here in this cheeseburger casserole. It's easy to make, can be put together ahead and frozen, and it's kid friendly. For kids of all ages, that is.

Ingredients

• 1 T,. plus 1 t. kosher salt
• 1 16 oz package elbow macaroni
• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 8oz cans tomato sauce
• 1/8 t. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 c. (8oz) recotta cheese
• 1/4 c. (2oz) sour cream
• 1/3 c. chopped green bell pepper
• 1/3 c. chopped scallions
• 1/2 c. (2oz)shredded Cheddar
• 1/4 c. (1oz) shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh parlsey

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 T. of the salt and the macaroni and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, 7-8 minutes. Drain well.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion and cook, stirring, until the beef is well browned. CArefully drain the fat from the skillet and stir in the tomato sauce, the remaining 1 t. salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over low heat, while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Combine the ricotta,k sour cream, bell pepper, and scallions ina medium bowl. Srpead half of the pasta in the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish. Top with the ricotta mixture, then the remaining pasta. Pour the meat misture oer the top. Spirnkle wtiht he Cheddar and mozzarella. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 20 mintues. Sprinkle the parsley before serving.