Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a mouthwatering simple ground beef casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a comforting feast.

Hearty ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a satisfying meal.

Families love how quickly this dish assembles in one pan.

Layers of rich flavors meld perfectly, promising a delicious experience for everyone at the table.

Convenient and budget-friendly, the recipe combines pantry staples with classic ingredients.

Each bite delivers a warm, filling sensation that feels like a culinary hug.

Jump in and discover how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Everyone Will Love

• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners, this ground beef casserole brings everyone together with its hearty and comforting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Master a Simple Cooking Technique: Newbie cooks can confidently prepare this dish with basic kitchen skills, learning how to brown meat, sauté vegetables, and combine ingredients seamlessly.
• Deliver Maximum Flavor with Minimal Effort: Combining pasta, ground beef, and cheese creates a delicious one-dish wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction in every bite.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese types to suit personal tastes and pantry supplies.

Ingredients Needed For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of this delicious casserole.
• Pasta: The perfect base that provides texture and substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, flavorful topping that adds richness and creamy goodness.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a rich, tangy base that brings moisture and depth to the beef mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking during cooking.

• Fresh Parsley: An optional bright and fresh finishing touch that adds a pop of color and herbal note.

How To Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook and stir until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning blend

Break up the meat and cook until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, robust taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of meat and sauce throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, creating a melty, golden layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become completely melted and slightly bubbly with golden edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips To Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole Delicious

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
• Replace cheddar cheese with low-fat mozzarella for a lighter version of the casserole.
• Chop herbs like fresh basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor before serving.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations To Explore With Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Veggie Swap Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check tomato sauce labels to confirm no hidden gluten.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use fewer tomatoes and increase protein content for a keto-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a simple green salad on the side for added freshness and balance.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this dish to gatherings, as it travels well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack leftovers in individual containers for a satisfying and quick lunch at work or school, which reheats beautifully in the microwave.
• Comfort Food Twist: Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking to add an extra layer of crunch and texture to the cheesy casserole.

Best Storage Tips For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it covered to preserve moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for longer storage, lasting up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even temperature distribution.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold the sauce and mix well with the ground beef.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, beef, and cheese makes this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike. The mild seasonings are perfect for picky eaters.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn directly into the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and flavor.

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef casserole blends comfort and flavor from midwestern kitchens. Savory layers of meat, cheese, and noodles create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to the table with warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta, cooked)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and warm the olive oil until shimmering.
3. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
5. Cook the beef until completely browned and no pink remains, then carefully drain any accumulated fat using a colander.
6. Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to integrate with the meat mixture and allowing flavors to meld for 5 minutes.
7. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
8. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
9. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a complete coverage.
11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
12. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
13. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor depth and melting qualities.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the beef sautéing stage to boost nutritional value and create more complex taste profile.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey, which maintains protein while cutting calories significantly.

• 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