Onion Beef Pasta Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 225 grams rotini or penne pasta
02 - 480 millilitres beef broth
03 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
08 - 450 grams ground beef
09 - 2 large onions, thin sliced
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 15 grams fresh chopped parsley or crispy French onions
12 - 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
13 - 100 grams Swiss cheese, shredded

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Toss some fresh parsley or crunchy fried onions over the top before you dig in.
02 - Pop the casserole in your hot oven. Let it cook for around 20 to 25 minutes. You want melty, bubbly cheese on top.
03 - Shake a nice layer of Parmesan cheese over everything in the dish.
04 - Pour the drained pasta right into the big casserole. Add in your beef and onion goodness. Mix in the Swiss cheese so it’s all through.
05 - Boil the pasta in salted water till just firm, following the package. Drain it well so it doesn't get soggy.
06 - Splash in Worcestershire and beef broth. Stir it up, turn down to a simmer, and let the flavors hang out for five minutes.
07 - Drop in the garlic, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and thyme. Give it a stir for about a minute—the kitchen will smell amazing.
08 - Dump the beef in with the sweet onions. Break it up as it cooks, and keep going until the meat's all brown.
09 - Add the onions to a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Stir them here and there, and let them get beautifully brown. Don’t rush—it can take about 20 minutes.
10 - Fire up the oven to 175°C. Let it get completely hot before baking.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère if you want it richer. Toss in some sliced mushrooms with your onions to kick up the flavor, or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Whole wheat pasta or ground turkey works great for a lighter twist.