Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. This Simple Ground Beef Casserole brings hearty flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness to your dinner table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

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I discovered this recipe during a hectic week when I needed to whip up a filling dinner with pantry staples. It’s now a go-to meal in our house—easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight meal. This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is packed with flavor and offers so many benefits for busy families.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few steps and one casserole dish, you can have a complete, satisfying dinner ready in no time. Perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using ground beef or swapping in ground turkey, this dish adapts to what you have in your fridge or pantry.

On top of that, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, you can feed a family without breaking the bank.

And finally, this casserole is a hit with picky eaters. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and melty cheese makes it hard for anyone to resist. Ready to get started? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This Simple Ground Beef Casserole relies on a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor.

Ground beef is the star of the dish, providing a hearty, savory base. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and minimal grease. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.

Pasta forms the foundation of this casserole. Elbow macaroni is my top choice because it cooks quickly and holds the sauce well. You can also use penne or rotini for a slightly different texture.

Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce bring rich, tangy flavor to the dish. If you like a hint of spice, try using fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth.

Onion and garlic are essential aromatics that elevate the flavor of the casserole. A quick sauté ensures their sweetness shines through in every bite.

Shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, creates that irresistible gooey topping. Feel free to mix in Parmesan for an extra layer of savory goodness.

To prepare this dish, all you’ll need is a large skillet for cooking the beef and a casserole dish for baking everything to golden perfection.

How To Make This Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Making this casserole is straightforward and stress-free. Let’s walk through the steps to bring this comforting dish to life.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease.

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture, stirring until well coated. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

In just under an hour, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took much longer to prepare!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. When reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it in the oven at 350°F.

This dish is just as delicious the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra for future meals!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is its adaptability. You can easily make it your own with a few tweaks.

For a healthier option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat pasta to boost the fiber content.

If you love veggies, stir in some chopped spinach, diced zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Craving a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

You can even switch up the cheese. Try a Mexican blend for a Tex-Mex twist, or use Gouda for a smokier flavor.

Let this recipe inspire you to experiment—you might discover a new family favorite along the way!

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