If you’re searching for a simple, hearty, and satisfying dinner, this Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is easy to customize and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Cheesy, hearty, and filling
- Customizable to your taste
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, macaroni, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute. Then add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Make the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce. Stir in sour cream if using for extra creaminess.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over it.
Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
- Cook pasta al dente: It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain excess fat: Keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Layer the cheese: Creates a gooey, melty texture throughout.
- Let it rest: Helps the casserole set for easier serving.
- Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
Variations
1. Creamy Beef Casserole
Add cream cheese or extra sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
2. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
3. Vegetable-Loaded
Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
4. Low-Carb Option
Replace pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving:
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
- Fat: 20–25 g
This dish is high in protein and energy, making it a filling meal for busy days.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
- With Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness
- Family Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or microwave until heated through
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: Can lead to mushy texture
- Skipping seasoning: Proper seasoning enhances flavor
- Too much liquid: Avoid watery sauce
- Not layering properly: Even distribution ensures balanced flavor
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of beef, pasta, sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and brings everyone to the table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this casserole is a reliable and delicious option. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.