The Juiciest Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Your Family Will Love

Crafting a hearty ground beef casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Weeknight dinners can become extraordinary with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one dish.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes mouths water instantly.

Families will appreciate the rich, robust flavors packed into each warm bite.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation for its incredible taste and ease of preparation.

What Makes Ground Beef Casserole a Favorite

• Simplify Dinner Prep: This ground beef casserole transforms basic ingredients into a hearty meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline cooking by using just a skillet and baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors like pasta, beef, and melted cheese, this casserole appeals to children and adults alike, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable with optional herbs, additional vegetables, or different cheese types, making it a flexible recipe for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole that provides rich protein and depth of taste.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds the sauce well and creates a comforting texture in the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add a savory foundation and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that complements the ground beef and adds moisture to the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, golden cover that adds creaminess and a delicious finish to the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal note.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Casserole Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni following the package guidance.

Once done, drain and set aside, keeping it ready for the meaty magic.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and start cooking the ground beef over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Mix the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving everything a good stir.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and become wonderfully bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips to Enhance Ground Beef Casserole Flavor

• Rinse macaroni after draining to prevent sticking and keep noodles separated for better texture.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Use sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for more intense, rich cheesy taste that complements the beef.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Flavor Boosters That Work with Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add oregano, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap elbow macaroni with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.

Perfect Pairings for Ground Beef Casserole

• Comfort Corner Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add freshness to your meal.
• Potluck Party Platter: Cut into generous squares and arrange on a large platter, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or community events.
• Weeknight Wellness Bowl: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted zucchini to boost nutrition and create a complete, satisfying dinner plate.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Pack cold portions in lunch containers for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as good as the night before.

Storing Ground Beef Casserole with Care

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store ground beef casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum to maintain quality and safety.
• Separate portions into individual containers for easier reheating and longer storage.
• Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months by wrapping tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as a lean alternative to beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy, meaty pasta is a classic comfort food that most children love and enjoy eating.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and boost the vegetable content of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve, making it a convenient meal for busy days.

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef casserole delivers comfort on a plate with layers of savory meat, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables. Families will savor each comforting bite, enjoying a classic meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Tomato Base:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
4. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Drain excess fat from the meat and vegetable mixture to reduce greasiness.
6. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
7. Combine cooked macaroni with beef mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it uniformly.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Consider replacing regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
• Test cheese melting by ensuring it’s golden and bubbling for the perfect crispy top layer.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg