The Coziest Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a delectable ground beef casserole brings comfort and joy to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing flavor.

Layers of savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce create a delightful harmony in every bite.

Families gather around, eagerly anticipating the moment this steaming casserole emerges from the oven.

Cheesy, rich, and incredibly simple, this recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm embrace.

What Makes Simple Ground Beef Casserole So Tasty

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This ground beef casserole swoops in as a superhero meal that tackles busy family schedules with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, pasta, and melted cheese, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible flavors and home-cooked warmth.
• Streamline Cooking Process: One-pan preparation and simple ingredients mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe modifications.

Ingredients Used in Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that provides a satisfying and filling texture.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: These ingredients create a rich and tangy sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty and golden topping that adds creaminess and a delicious finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking in the skillet.

How to Prepare Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta following the package instructions until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, keeping it ready for the flavor-packed mix.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their amazing aroma.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the beef until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture. Ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef blend into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy!

Ways to Bring Out Best Flavor in Ground Beef Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs tons of flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and make the casserole more filling and nutritious.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps meld flavors and makes weeknight dinners super convenient.

Flavor Enhancements to Consider for Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Mexican Casserole: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's hearty flavor.

Side Dishes That Go Well with Ground Beef Casserole

Family Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.

Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this dish to gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker or insulated carrier for easy sharing and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.

Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner in a flash.

Leftover Transformation: Reheat individual portions the next day, or top with a fried egg for a completely new breakfast-style twist on the original recipe.

Proper Storage for Ground Beef Casserole Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For oven reheating, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and warm at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if the dish seems dry.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole recipe and provides similar texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The simple ingredients and cheesy topping make this casserole a hit with children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat a balanced meal.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the beef cooking stage to boost the nutritional value without changing the recipe’s core flavor.

• What type of cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses are excellent choices that melt well and complement the beef and tomato base perfectly.

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ground beef casserole brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with minimal prep. Family-friendly ingredients combine in one-pan simplicity for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta and Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Tomato Components:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) while preparing the casserole ingredients.
2. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Break meat into small crumbles and cook until completely browned.
5. Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire dish.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to help set the ingredients.

Notes

• Prep pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final casserole.
• Drain beef thoroughly to avoid excess liquid, which can make the dish soggy and less flavorful.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing mozzarella and cheddar for a more complex, richer taste profile.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg