Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining savory beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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 oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add 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, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add sour cream and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra nutrition and texture.
• For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well. Just be sure to cook it al dente before mixing it into the casserole to avoid mushiness.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole through step 7, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes mealtime even easier on busy days.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Ground Beef Casserole combines savory browned beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to achieve a bubbly, cheesy crust, this hearty casserole is a flavorful and easy dinner option for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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 Garnish

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Add flavorings and simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Create creamy sauce: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce turns smooth and creamy, enhancing the casserole’s richness.
6. Incorporate pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring it is well coated and evenly combined.
7. Assemble casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
9. Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

• Ensure to drain the excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Use any short pasta shape like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne, cooked al dente for texture.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Sour cream adds creaminess; for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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