Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This ground beef casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and a cheesy topping that bakes to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the cooked pasta, making sure it is fully coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use a mixture of different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan for more depth.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work best as they hold the sauce well and are easy to eat in a casserole format.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 184 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Casserole combining tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection. This dish features layered flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a creamy sour cream sauce, all mixed with pasta and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Pasta and Cheese

• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring all pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use any short pasta varieties like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne for best texture.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, cover and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Optional: Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, baked beef pasta, cheesy beef casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food casserole