Crunchy Beef Bake

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What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the words “comfort food?“ Don’t over think it, what is first thing that popped in your head? For me, it’s noodles. Any kind of noodle, I’m not picky, and it’s even better if that noodle happens to be baked into a casserole. It can be spaghetti noodles like in Baked Spaghetti, egg noodles as in this Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole, rotini noodles as in this ultra delicious and ever-so-comforting, Pimiento Mac and Cheese, even chow mein noodles as I use in Oriental Beef Casserole. It doesn’t matter the kind, I just have to have noodles for true comfort, and if I want to maximize that, I also need ground beef.

This was of great comfort to me today. It was easy to put together, tasty and satisfying, and the extra crunch from those French fried onions was most welcome. This is the kind of food that we all need during difficult times, no matter what is causing those difficulties. My son and his family tried this, and it was thumbs up all around. Kid friendly, family-friendly, comforting and tasty, really, what more do you really need?

Crunchy Beef Bake

6-oz. campanelle pasta*
1 lb. ground chuck
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (14.5-oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (6-oz.) can French fried onions
¾ c. shredded cheddar cheese
½ c. shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ t. Montreal Steak Seasoning
½ c. beef stock
½ c. freshly brewed black coffee

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a two-quart casserole dish with PAM; set aside.

Prepare pasta as directed on box. While pasta is cooking, brown ground chuck; drain. Combine all ingredients except onions. Pour half of the beef/pasta mixture into the casserole dish. Scatter 1/2 of the can of onions evenly over mixture. Add remaining beef/pasta mixture. Cover and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and top with remaining onions. Bake, uncovered, an additional 5-7 minutes.

*Or an equal amount of whatever noodle you have on hand.