Make Ahead Meals

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Seasoned taco beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar combine into a warm skillet dinner that’s quick to make and satisfying for busy weeknights.

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking up meat. Drain fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. 5. Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer on medium-low until sauce thickens and coats meat, about 2-3 minutes. 6. Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to skillet. Stir until cheese melts and coats pasta and meat evenly. 7. Remove from heat and finish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  • pasta

  • ground beef

  • onion

  • garlic

  • taco seasoning

  • water

  • cheddar cheese

  • olive oil

  • cilantro

Prep
Cook
Total
Serves4
DinnerMexican
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A warm cheesy ground beef casserole made with pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar. A simple baked dinner that feeds a hungry family on busy nights.

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 5. Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef. 6. Stir in 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni), then 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well off heat. 7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. 8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 10. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • tomato sauce

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cooked pasta

  • cheddar cheese

  • parsley

Prep
Cook
Total
Serves4
DinnerAmerican
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A warm baked rotisserie chicken casserole made with shredded chicken, rice, vegetables, and melted cheddar. Simple, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 1 cup diced bell pepper. Sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. 4. Add 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken in a single layer. Cook 3-4 minutes until warmed through. 5. Stir in 2 cups cooked rice and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cook 2-3 minutes to warm and slightly thicken. 6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 7. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 8. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving. 9. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  • olive oil

  • onion

  • bell pepper

  • rotisserie chicken

  • cooked rice

  • cheddar cheese

  • fresh parsley

Prep
Cook
Total
Serves4
DinnerAmerican
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