There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles before the oven timer even goes off. That’s exactly what this Ground Beef Casserole does — it’s cozy, flavorful, and beautifully simple. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of home-cooked goodness and makes dinner feel like a warm hug.
If you love easy, hearty dinners that taste like they took hours (but didn’t!), this one’s for you. ❤️
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Ground Beef Casserole
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory — and it’s anything but boring!!
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Nothing fancy — just pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and cheese coming together beautifully.
- Totally customizable. You can toss in mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers — even jalapeños for a little heat!
- Family-approved. Even picky eaters won’t resist the melty cheese and tender noodles.
- Make-ahead magic. Assemble it in the morning and bake it when you’re ready for dinner.
- Perfect for leftovers. It reheats like a dream, so it’s a lunchbox favorite too.
What Does Ground Beef Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine creamy pasta layered with juicy, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust that stretches beautifully with every forkful. It’s comforting, hearty, and layered with flavor — a cozy dinner that tastes like nostalgia.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep.
- Quick prep time: Only 20 minutes of hands-on work.
- Nutritious: Add veggies for a more balanced, filling meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional additions: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet for browning beef
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Colander
- Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente — slightly firm since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the cheese. Pour the beef mixture over and gently combine. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (if you can resist the smell!).
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy rolls
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh contrast
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and tastes richer.
- Make it creamy. Stir in cream cheese instead of sour cream for a thicker texture.
- Add heat. Sprinkle crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I use other meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work wonderfully.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini — they hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Of course! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your sauces are GF-friendly.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
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