Wagon Wheel Casserole Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
• STEP 2.Cook the wagon wheel pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• STEP 3.In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
• STEP 4.Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
• STEP 5.Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• STEP 6.In a separate bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
• STEP 7.Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
• STEP 8.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 9.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• STEP 10.Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Storage and Serving

• This Wagon Wheel Casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven.
• You can serve it as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
• It also makes a great potluck dish or meal prep option for busy weekdays.
• If you have leftovers, you can portion them out and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.