Hamburger Casserole with Noodles

 

12 ounces dry elbow macaroni, medium shells pasta, or egg noodles

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 C. diced celery (about 3 stalks)

1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced

2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 ounce) can petite-diced tomatoes, not drained

1 T. tomato paste

2 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. chili powder

¼ tsp. dried oregano

¼ tsp. ground cumin

Pinch cayenne

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

2 C. grated sharp cheddar cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; set aside. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 1 minute less than al dente, according to package instructions. Drain. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; reserve 1 T. of the drippings in the pan. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 minutes (the meat doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this point). Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic; cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 more minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne, 1 tsp. of kosher salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Add the cooked, drained noodles and the cooked bacon to the beef mixture; toss to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish; top with shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the casserole is hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion.