Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipes Beloved by Families

Hearty ground beef casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with layers of savory goodness.

Cozy ingredients meld together in a delightful harmony that sparks memories of home-cooked meals.

Families adore this simple yet satisfying dish for its rich, filling nature.

Cheese melts beautifully across tender meat and soft noodles, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Robust flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Simple kitchen skills and a few affordable ingredients make this recipe accessible to anyone seeking a delicious meal.

Let’s uncover how to transform basic components into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Casserole Family Favorite

• Speed Up Dinner: Combine pasta and ground beef in one pan, creating a quick, satisfying meal that comes together faster than traditional recipes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to kids and adults, this casserole delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal fuss.
• Customizable Creation: Easily swap ingredients like adding different cheeses, using turkey instead of beef, or including extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and pasta, making this a wallet-friendly option for feeding multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Pasta: The foundation of the casserole that adds texture and helps bind all ingredients together.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and robust base for the dish's sauce.
• Onions: Add depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create a well-rounded and savory taste.

• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, golden-brown topping that adds richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional ingredient that creates a crispy texture on top of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing onions and preventing sticking.

How To Bake Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some delicious comfort food.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package directions until perfectly al dente, then set aside.

Step 3: Sauté The Base

• Olive oil
• Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Profile

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

Stir in all the seasonings and tomato ingredients.

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors mingle and dance together.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Mix the cooked pasta with the savory beef sauce.

If you’re feeling indulgent, swirl in some sour cream for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for a delightful crunchy finish (totally optional but recommended).

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden-brown edges.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dive in and enjoy your comforting creation!

Tips For Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey to create a leaner protein option. Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the casserole. Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the sautéing stage. Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps meld flavors and makes weeknight meals easier.

Remix Ideas For Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Side Pairings For Ground Beef Casserole

Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying family feast that everyone will love.

Potluck Powerhouse: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker or insulated carrier for easy transport and guaranteed compliments from friends.

Leftover Remix: Transform extra portions into lunch wraps by scooping casserole into tortillas or use as a topping for baked potatoes, creating exciting next-day meals with minimal effort.

Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare two casseroles – one for immediate eating and another to freeze for busy weeknights, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready when time is tight.

Storing Ground Beef Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store ground beef casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time and ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole recipe. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can assemble it the night before and bake it when ready to serve, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the meat cooking stage. These will boost nutrition without significantly changing the recipe’s flavor profile.

Ultimate Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic ground beef casserole brings hearty comfort to midwestern dinner tables. Rich layers of seasoned meat, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal families will crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 14.5-ounce (411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

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

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
5. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, then season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the seasoned meat sauce in a large mixing bowl, gently folding ingredients together. Optional: Incorporate sour cream for added creaminess.
7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta and meat mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage. For extra texture, add breadcrumbs on top if desired.
9. Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the dish and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting spices like red pepper flakes or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, leaner protein options.
• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Prep ahead by assembling casserole and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg