Quick & Hearty Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Families

My favorite simple ground beef casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy textures and rich flavors promise a satisfying experience for everyone around the table.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless when you can toss everything into one dish and let the magic happen.

Cheese melts perfectly over tender meat and soft pasta, creating layers of deliciousness that will make you smile.

Quick preparation means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delectable meal with people you love.

Dive into this recipe and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole That Delivers

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up this hearty casserole that brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Stretch your grocery dollars with affordable ground beef and pantry staples, creating a satisfying dish that doesn't break the bank.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that combines cooking and baking in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comfort Food Champion: Enjoy a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers rich, cheesy goodness with a perfect blend of seasoned beef and pasta.

Ingredients Needed For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this delicious casserole.

• Onion, Diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, savory garlic essence to enhance the overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and tangy freshness to the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, smooth base for the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Provides a creamy, melty topping that adds richness and flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and prevent sticking in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Onions

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in the diced onions and let them dance and soften over medium heat until they’re translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Dump the ground beef into the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, creating a rich and zesty sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat

Transfer your cooked pasta into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Pour the beef mixture over the pasta and stir to coat every noodle with deliciousness.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble with irresistible promise.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting creation!

Tips For Perfecting Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Remove as much excess grease as possible to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for added texture and health benefits.
• Don't be shy with seasonings – adjust salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste for a more robust and personalized flavor experience.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.

Flavor Variations For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and hearty flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the casserole's core elements.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Family Dinner Winner: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread on the side for a satisfying dinner.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, as it travels well and feeds a hungry group with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a cool cucumber yogurt side or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, meaty casserole and add a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for quick next-day lunches, as the flavors develop even more overnight and make for an easy reheatable meal.

Storage Advice For Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty simple ground beef casserole delights families with its rich, comforting layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese. Midwestern home cooking shines through this easy one-dish meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Canned Goods:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) tomato sauce

Pasta:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or your choice)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and tender.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly and carefully draining any accumulated fat.
4. Enhance the mixture by incorporating diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings – garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the blend to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Transfer cooked pasta into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture throughout the pasta.
6. Create a golden, melty topping by generously sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, ensuring the cheese becomes completely melted and develops a slight bubbling texture.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that works perfectly for different dietary needs.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor in the dish.
• Customize cheese toppings by mixing different varieties like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to enhance the overall taste and texture of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg