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Before diving into the preparation of your Cheesy Back To School Casserole, one crucial step is preheating your oven. Preheating ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give it at least 15-20 minutes to reach the desired temperature. This step prevents the casserole from cooking too slowly, which can result in uneven texture and flavor.

Cheesy Back To School Casserole

As the back-to-school season approaches, simplify your meal planning with a delicious Cheesy Back to School Casserole. This comforting dish features ground turkey or beef, colorful veggies, elbow macaroni, and gooey cheddar cheese, making it a family favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare in advance, but it's also packed with nutrition that supports your family's busy lifestyle. Explore the step-by-step recipe, meal prep tips, and delightful serving suggestions to make dinner stress-free and satisfying!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks (approximately 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

      Sauté Veggies: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, uncooked macaroni, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

            Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings