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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create creamy sauce: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce turns smooth and creamy, enhancing the casserole’s richness.
- Incorporate pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring it is well coated and evenly combined.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- 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.
- 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
