Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Hearty, cheesy, and endlessly comforting, this Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of weeknight recipe that becomes a permanent fixture in your kitchen. With tender pasta, robustly seasoned beef, tangy tomatoes, rich sour cream, and a golden layer of bubbling cheese, it’s pure nostalgia baked into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or looking for something the kids will devour with enthusiasm, this is a dinner you’ll come back to again and again.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole keeps it simple with classic ingredients that strike the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and a satisfying, golden cheese topping. Each addition serves a purpose, whether it’s to build depth, add freshness, or give that irresistible, melty finish.

  • Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, bringing savory richness and hearty texture.
  • Onion: Diced and sautéed, onion adds sweet depth and aromatic flavor.
  • Garlic: Minced for pungency and warmth that makes every bite more satisfying.
  • Salt & Pepper: Simply essential for bringing out and balancing all the savory notes.
  • Italian Seasoning: Offers an herby lift that brightens the robust beef and tomato base.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Drained to keep the casserole from getting too watery while adding freshness.
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides that luscious sauciness and pulls everything together.
  • Cooked Pasta (elbow or rotini): The wonderful base that holds flavors and gives the casserole its signature bite.
  • Sour Cream: Mixed with pasta for extra creamy, tangy richness in every forkful.
  • Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts to a golden, bubbly crown and packs the casserole with sharp flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Adds stretchy, mild creaminess and that pizza-like finish on top.
  • Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that makes every serving look and taste inviting.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your favorite skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook it all together, breaking up the meat, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft. This sets the foundation of flavor for your Ground Beef Casserole. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat for a lighter but still-rich base.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well so the flavors mingle. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, making sure everything is evenly combined. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to get cozy together and for the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Mix Pasta and Sour Cream

In a medium mixing bowl, add your cooked pasta of choice (elbow or rotini are both perfect options). Stir in the sour cream until every piece gets a creamy coating. This step locks all that luscious tang and keeps the pasta tender, even after baking.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray or a bit of oil. Start by spreading half of the creamy pasta mixture in the bottom. Next, add half of your tomato-beef mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat those layers one more time, ending with the rest of the beef and cheddar. Finish with the mozzarella on top for that glorious golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese begins to melt. Remove the foil and return it to the oven for 10 more minutes—this is where the magic happens and the cheese turns irresistible and bubbly. If you’re feeling fancy, hit it with a broil for a final minute.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Ground Beef Casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle over a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor, then serve while warm and cheesy.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way, adding a pop of green and freshness on top of the rich, molten cheese. If you like a little zip, a few sliced green onions or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can be fun additions right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is deeply satisfying on its own, but for a balanced meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread to scoop up every bit of that cheesy, saucy goodness. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also great bets for a little color and crunch on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve the Ground Beef Casserole straight from the baking dish at the dinner table. Fancy things up by portioning it into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. Leftover casserole also makes fabulous filling for a stuffed bell pepper—just scoop into hollowed peppers and bake until the peppers are tender for a fun mini-meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

This dish freezes incredibly well. To freeze, wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until bubbly, or cover the whole casserole and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the casserole looks a bit dry, add a spoonful of tomato sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow and rotini are classic, you can use penne, shells, or any short pasta shape you have on hand. Just be sure the pasta is cooked al dente before assembling, so it holds its texture after baking.

What vegetables can I add to the casserole?

You can easily add extra nutrition and flavor by tossing in chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them with the meat, or layer them in raw—they’ll bake up beautifully in the casserole.

Can I make this Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a lifesaver for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When dinner time comes, just bake as instructed (add an extra 5–10 minutes if chilled).

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Definitely! Greek yogurt works just like sour cream here and adds a little extra protein. Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and closest flavor swap.

How do I make this casserole less rich?

Try using reduced-fat cheese and light sour cream, or swap half the beef for ground turkey. You can also add in more veggies to lighten things up and spread that rich, cheesy goodness a little further.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole is one of those meals that warms both heart and home—a tried-and-true favorite that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Give it a try the next time you’re craving comfort with a side of ease, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!

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Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish that the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheeses, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Prepare Beef Mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Assemble: In a separate bowl, mix sour cream with cooked pasta. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then half of the beef mixture, and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella.
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • This casserole can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
  • Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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