The Best Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

When comfort meets simplicity, this ground beef casserole becomes your ultimate weeknight dinner solution.

Layers of savory meat and creamy textures promise a satisfying meal that everyone will crave.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Cheese melts into golden waves, promising rich flavor in every single bite.

Families adore how quickly you can assemble this one-pan wonder without complicated techniques.

Minimal prep and maximum deliciousness make this casserole a true kitchen champion.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch dinner disappear in minutes.

Ground Beef Casserole for Every Season

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan wonder saves you from washing multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a satisfying meal packed with protein and veggies.
• Boost Nutrition in One Skillet: Combine lean chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice for a balanced meal that keeps the whole family nourished and happy without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, use different proteins, or add your favorite seasonings to make this recipe your own personal culinary canvas that adapts to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy texture and familiar flavors that make this dish a crowd-pleasing option for busy households and casual gatherings.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring moisture and bright, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, smooth base for the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds creamy texture and tangy richness to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, gooey topping that creates a golden, appetizing finish.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundation of the casserole, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Stepwise Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) and get ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and sizzle the ground beef over medium heat until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften in the skillet until they release their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and bubble for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole Magic

• Cooked pasta
• Beef mixture
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to settle.

Then dive in and enjoy your creation!

Handy Tips for Ground Beef Casserole

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian options.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and enhance flavor complexity.
• Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer taste profile.

Twists for Ground Beef Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Swap tomato sauce for marinara, incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Explosion: Mix in crispy bacon bits, replace sour cream with ranch dressing, and sprinkle extra cheddar cheese for a rich, indulgent meal.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Remix: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, add buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and garnish with green onions for a kick.

Family-Style Ground Beef Casserole Sharing

• Family Movie Night Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty casserole with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a cozy dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Weekend Potluck Favorite: Pack this dish in a portable carrier for gatherings, adding fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor that makes it stand out.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Pair the casserole with chilled coleslaw and some buttery corn on the cob to create a satisfying spread that feeds hungry sports fans easily.
• Quick Weeknight Wellness Bowl: Complement the casserole with steamed broccoli and roasted carrots to balance the meal and add nutritious vegetable sides that kids and adults will enjoy.

Save Ground Beef Casserole Easily

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes and can make the dish lighter.

• Is there a way to make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Yes, use less expensive cheese like cheddar instead of more costly varieties, and buy ground beef when it’s on sale to reduce overall cost.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn directly into the beef mixture before layering, which adds nutrition and flavor without extra work.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic ground beef casserole offers a comforting medley of hearty ingredients that blend seamless flavor profiles. Home cooks appreciate this simple midwestern dish for its satisfying layers of meat, cheese, and nourishing vegetables you can enjoy with family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (200 g) cooked pasta (elbow or penne)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Create casserole layers in the prepared baking dish: spread cooked pasta as the base, followed by the seasoned meat mixture.
6. Gently spread sour cream evenly across the meat layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole surface, creating a rich and appealing topping.
8. Transfer casserole to preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Customize the dish by using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before baking.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg