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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
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.
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.
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.
Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring all pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
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