Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful ground beef casserole transforms weeknight dinners into something special.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish packed with flavor.

Layers of savory ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal you’ll crave.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Hearty and filling, the casserole brings warmth to your table.

Family members of all ages will appreciate the rich, homemade goodness.

You can whip up this crowd-pleaser in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy households.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Ground Beef Casserole That’s a Classic

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make the recipe uniquely yours, giving you flexibility to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and simple cooking steps mean you can have a delicious dinner on the table in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy households.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, meaty goodness that brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the rich base of this comforting casserole.
• Pasta: The perfect carrier for the savory beef mixture and adds satisfying texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty topping that brings delicious richness to the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a tangy and moist foundation for the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle creamy tang that softens the dish's overall flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that boost the depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor base that enhances the entire casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking in the skillet.
• Parsley: A fresh green garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal note.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Prep The Pasta

Cook pasta following package guidelines, then drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Don’t rinse the pasta to keep that delicious starchy goodness.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, appetizing brown.

Drain off any excess fat to keep your dish light.

Step 5: Build Flavor Profile

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 6: Create Creamy Mixture

Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture.

For extra creaminess, fold in sour cream if desired.

Step 7: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef Casserole

• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture in your casserole.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to cut down on excess grease without sacrificing flavor, making the dish lighter and healthier.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a beautifully golden, crispy top layer.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color, elevating the dish's overall taste and presentation.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Variations on Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Serving Ground Beef Casserole

• Comfort Family Dinner: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a simple green salad for added freshness and nutrition.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this dish to gatherings where everyone loves a warm, cheesy comfort food that feeds a crowd easily.
• Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair with garlic bread or steamed vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying dinner that kids and adults will enjoy.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining casserole in airtight containers for quick lunch reheating, maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy texture.

Storage Advice for Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This preserves the casserole's flavor and texture.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have all the original recipe items?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, use different types of pasta like rotini or penne, and swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or monterey jack.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The casserole has mild flavors that children typically enjoy, and the cheesy topping makes it very appealing to kids. It’s also easy to eat and not too spicy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef casserole weaves comfort and flavor into one delightful dish, bringing classic American home cooking to your dinner table. Layers of savory meat, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables promise a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around shared warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces, Seasonings, and Dairy:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) while preparing the casserole ingredients.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned.
5. Eliminate excess fat from the meat by carefully draining the skillet.
6. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor and melding ingredients together.
8. Gently fold cooked pasta into the beef mixture, incorporating sour cream for added creaminess.
9. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
13. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles to the casserole.
• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the beef cooking stage for an extra kick.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop deeper flavors and saves time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg