Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy the entire family? This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is a fantastic option! With savory ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers on both taste and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish can be whipped up in no time and customized to suit your preferences. Stick around for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
What is Ground Beef Casserole?
Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish made by layering ground beef, pasta, and a tomato or cream-based sauce in a casserole dish, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. It's a one-pan meal that combines hearty ingredients to create a filling, satisfying dinner. The best part? You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole
Here are the essential ingredients you'll need to make a delicious Ground Beef Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or extra lean)
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or any short pasta)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, adds creaminess)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These basic ingredients make the foundation of a simple and tasty casserole. Feel free to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about a Ground Beef Casserole is its flexibility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, make it healthier, or adjust it to what you have in your pantry. Here are some ideas:
- Meat Substitutes: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
- Pasta Choices: If you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat or veggie-based pasta also works if you're looking for a healthier twist.
- Sauce Alternatives: Instead of tomato sauce, you can use marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even a homemade blend of crushed tomatoes and herbs.
- Cheese Variety: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Parmesan for added richness. If you like a bit of spice, pepper jack cheese is a great option.
- Vegetables: Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients and texture.
- Spices and Herbs: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or substitute the Italian seasoning with oregano, basil, or thyme. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil work great as a garnish.
- Creamy Version: Want a creamier dish? Stir in a cup of cream cheese or ricotta before baking, or use a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup in place of the tomato sauce.
These adjustments can help you make this Ground Beef Casserole unique and tailored to your family’s preferences.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Ground Beef Casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture
In a large bowl (or directly in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you're using sour cream for extra creaminess, spread it evenly on top of the first layer. Then add the rest of the pasta and meat mixture on top.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella) evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness, and then serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Ground Beef Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly while baking, so overcooking it during the boiling stage can result in mushy pasta.
- Too Much Liquid: If your casserole turns out watery, it could be due to the canned tomatoes or sauce. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes if you're using them, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken before combining it with the pasta.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Ground beef can be bland without proper seasoning. Be sure to taste your sauce before assembling the casserole and adjust the salt, pepper, and seasonings to your liking.
- Skipping the Cheese: The melted cheese topping adds texture and richness to the casserole. Don’t skip this step, as it really makes the dish feel complete.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this Ground Beef Casserole is delicious on its own, you can elevate the dish with some thoughtful serving ideas and presentation techniques.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
- Serve your casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh, crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- If you want to stretch the meal even further, you can serve it with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
- For a casual gathering, set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions, or jalapeños, so everyone can customize their servings.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole
- Garnishes: Garnish the top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, you can bake the casserole in individual ramekins or mini-casserole dishes. This is a great way to serve for dinner parties or gatherings.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed crackers, tortilla chips, or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for a crispy, crunchy topping that adds texture.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After assembling (but before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and works just as well in this recipe.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
A: Be sure to drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef and simmer the tomato sauce to reduce excess liquid. If using canned tomatoes, drain them well before adding.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A:Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake when ready.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple, flavorful ingredients into a hearty and satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or preparing it for a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With customizable options, easy substitutions, and simple steps, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat your family to a delicious and easy homemade casserole tonight!
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Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This ground beef casserole recipe is a quick, comforting dinner option, featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy tomato sauce. It's perfect for weeknights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. A simple, crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, vegetables, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Add breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Customize with different veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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