Warm, hearty, and incredibly simple to prepare, this ground beef casserole recipe is a true family favorite. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or comforting Sunday dinners. With layers of savory beef, tender pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole
- Quick to Assemble: You can have this comforting dish prepped and ready for the oven in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: It uses common pantry staples and affordable ground beef, making it kind to your wallet.
- Incredibly Satisfying and Flavorful: The rich combination of ingredients creates a deeply savory and fulfilling meal.
- Customizable for Preferences: Easily adapt the vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your family’s tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole bakes beautifully and reheats wonderfully, perfect for planning meals ahead.
Ingredients
To create this delicious ground beef casserole recipe, gather these essential items. They combine to build a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize this savory bake. For the ground meat, ground turkey or pork are excellent alternatives for the beef casserole. Feel free to use different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or small shells instead of elbow macaroni. Swap out frozen mixed vegetables for fresh spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If you need a dairy-free option, use plant-based shredded cheese. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Equipment
Gathering your kitchen tools beforehand makes the cooking process smooth. You will need a large skillet or Dutch oven for browning the beef and simmering the sauce. A 9×13 inch casserole dish is essential for baking this hearty meal. Additionally, have a cutting board and a sharp knife ready for preparing vegetables, along with a few mixing bowls for convenience.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious ground beef casserole recipe. This method ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Stir the cooked elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables into the simmering sauce mixture. Ensure everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
- Layer First Half: Spoon half of the beef and pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out to form an even layer.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the first layer of the beef and pasta mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Carefully spoon the remaining beef and pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the casserole cook through and become bubbly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the ground beef casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Properly browning your ground beef is key to developing deep, rich flavor in this casserole. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the beef in batches if necessary. Season each layer generously as you build the casserole for the best taste. Be careful not to overcook your pasta before adding it to the mix; it will continue to cook in the oven. If your casserole seems dry, add a splash more broth or tomato sauce to the mixture before baking. To achieve a perfectly golden-brown, bubbly cheesy crust, you can briefly broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching it closely to prevent burning. If your casserole turns out watery, ensure you drain the ground beef fat thoroughly and consider reducing the broth slightly next time.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ground beef casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For storing leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions; wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the entire unbaked or baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat baked portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for smaller servings.
Variations
- Add Spice: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Different Vegetables: Experiment with fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
- Healthier Twist: Top the casserole with a layer of creamy cauliflower mash instead of cheese for a lower-carb option.
- Cheese Blends: Try a Mexican blend, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Creamier Sauce: Swap out some of the tomato sauce for cream of mushroom or chicken soup for a richer, creamier casserole.
Nutrition
This ground beef casserole recipe offers a balanced meal, providing protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Opting for leaner ground beef and reducing cheese can lower fat content. Cooking at home allows full control over ingredients versus processed options.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
FAQ
Can I make this ground beef casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I freeze this ground beef casserole?
To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What ground beef is best for this ground beef casserole recipe?
Lean ground beef (85-90% lean) works best, as it reduces the amount of fat you need to drain. This keeps your casserole less greasy and more flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables to my ground beef casserole?
Yes, feel free to add up to 2 cups of your favorite vegetables, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or fresh spinach. Sauté heartier vegetables with the onion and garlic.
Why is my ground beef casserole watery?
This usually happens if you don’t fully drain the fat from the ground beef or if you use too much liquid. Ensure thorough draining and consider slightly reducing the broth next time.
How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?
Leftover ground beef casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always ensure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef casserole recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Its straightforward preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and incredible versatility make it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or simply craving a hearty dish, this casserole delivers flavor and warmth every time. Give this amazing beef and pasta bake a try, and watch it become an instant family favorite!
The Ultimate Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Stir the cooked elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables into the simmering sauce mixture. Ensure everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
- Layer First Half: Spoon half of the beef and pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out to form an even layer.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the first layer of the beef and pasta mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Carefully spoon the remaining beef and pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the casserole cook through and become bubbly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the ground beef casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop.