Ground Beef Casserole

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🥘 Ultimate Ground Beef Casserole — Hearty, Cheesy & Family-Approved!

Looking for a delicious, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s easy to make and even easier to love? This Ground Beef Casserole is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. Made with simple pantry ingredients, tender pasta, savory seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort with every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for a potluck, this baked beef casserole is a satisfying, make-ahead-friendly, and freezer-safe favorite. Ready to whip up a classic?

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this casserole so irresistible:

For the main casserole:

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work great)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the creamy cheese topping:

  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for extra melt)
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

👨‍🍳 How to Make Ground Beef Casserole — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until flavors blend and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:

  1. Spread half the beef-pasta mixture
  2. Spoon dollops of sour cream over the top
  3. Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese
  4. Add the remaining beef mixture and top with the rest of the cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole

  • Quick to make — ready in under an hour
  • Customizable with veggies, different cheeses, or pasta swaps
  • Perfect for meal prep — keeps well in fridge or freezer
  • Kid-friendly — picky eaters love the cheesy layers
  • Comfort food classic — warm, filling, and satisfying

🔄 Make It Your Own — Easy Variations

  • Add Veggies – Stir in cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Spice It Up – Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
  • Make it Tex-Mex – Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and top with salsa and avocado.
  • Use Different Proteins – Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Try Different Cheeses – Pepper jack, provolone, Colby jack, or Parmesan are great options.

🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through.

🍲 What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole

  • Garlic bread or crusty rolls
  • A fresh garden salad
  • Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
  • A glass of red wine or iced tea

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just make sure not to overcook it so it holds up well during baking.

Is this spicy?
Not at all—it’s family-friendly. You can easily adjust the seasoning if you want heat.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or split between two pans—perfect for meal prep or freezing one for later.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s affordable, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a big family, prepping your lunches, or hosting friends, this easy casserole always hits the spot.

Try it once, and it’ll become a weeknight staple in your kitchen!

📸 Share Your Creations!

Did you make this Ground Beef Casserole? Share your photos on Instagram or Pinterest and tag us using #BestBeefCasserole — we’d love to see your delicious results!

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