Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic flavors.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and basic pantry staples, this recipe delivers maximum taste without breaking the bank.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking method mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious family meal together.

Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients List

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the core protein for this comforting casserole.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a rich, savory base that adds depth and complexity to the beef mixture.
Pasta and Cheese:
  • Pasta: A classic comfort food that serves as the foundation of this satisfying casserole.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy texture and a delicious melted topping that brings the dish together.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy and robust sauce that coats the beef and pasta.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking during cooking.

How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole

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:
  • Tomato sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

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:
  • Cooked pasta
  • Beef mixture
  • Shredded cheese

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

  • Select ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess fat and keep the casserole healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  • Create even layers of pasta and beef mixture to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of ingredients and melted cheese.
  • Drain pasta and beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated taste.
  • Experiment with adding dried herbs like oregano or fresh basil to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Mix different cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a more complex and interesting melted cheese topping.

Variations to Elevate Ground Beef Casserole

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking process.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory flavors.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add diced bell peppers, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and basil to create a Mediterranean-style casserole with similar cooking techniques.

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

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole whole or divide into individual portions for easier reheating.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date and contents to track freshness.
  • 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 to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

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.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

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.

  • What cheese works best in this recipe?

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

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
  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 meat into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  5. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
  6. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  7. Allow beef mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
  8. Create layered casserole by spreading half the pasta across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  9. Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the pasta layer.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top, ensuring complete coverage.
  11. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
  13. 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

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

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.

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