Quick & Cozy Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy
Have you ever dreamed of a simple ground beef casserole that turns weeknight dinners into something special?
Comfort flows through every delicious layer of this hearty dish.
Busy families will absolutely love how quickly this meal comes together.
Layers of tender meat, soft noodles, and rich cheese create a satisfying experience.
Ingredients dance together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Creamy textures and robust flavors promise to bring smiles around the dinner table.
Simple Ground Beef Casserole for Busy Days
Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients List
Main Protein:Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:Pasta and Cheese:Sauce and Seasonings:Cooking Essentials:How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Crank up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain completely, making sure no water remains.
Step 3: Prepare the Savory Beef Base
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces.
Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish light and tasty.
Step 4: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Mix in these delicious ingredients:Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased baking dish and create delicious layers:Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Pull out the casserole and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!
Pro Tips for Tasty Ground Beef Casserole
Variations to Elevate Ground Beef Casserole
Serving Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Family Feast Favorite: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty casserole as a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together.
Protein Power Plate: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, meaty dish and add extra nutrition.
Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Pick: Bring this easy casserole to community gatherings or potlucks – it travels well and feeds a hungry group with minimal fuss.
Leftover Lunch Delight: Reheat individual portions for a quick and satisfying lunch that tastes just as delicious the next day.
Storing Ground Beef Casserole Properly
FAQs
Yes, this casserole is perfect for children. The simple ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and cheese make it appealing to kids, and it’s not too spicy or complicated.
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value and add more color and texture to the casserole.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese are excellent choices. They melt well and provide a creamy, delicious topping that complements the beef and pasta perfectly.
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty Simple Ground Beef Casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory beef with creamy layers of cheese and tender pasta. Home cooks savor this classic one-dish meal that promises delicious satisfaction in every warm, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Carbohydrates:
- 2 cups pasta (elbow or penne)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Allow beef mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
- Create layered casserole by spreading half the pasta across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery casserole texture and ensure ingredients bind well.
- Select lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella and cheddar for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Consider gluten-free pasta options to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Lucas Bennett
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.
Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.
Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.