The Ultimate Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

When hunger strikes, a simple ground beef casserole becomes the ultimate comfort meal that saves your dinner plans.

Hearty ingredients come together with minimal effort in this straightforward dish.

Families adore how quickly it assembles without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Layers of savory meat, tender vegetables, and melted cheese create a satisfying experience everyone will appreciate.

Mild seasonings enhance the rich protein without overwhelming delicate palates.

Weeknight cooking gets much easier with this no-fuss approach to a classic meal.

Jump into this delicious solution that brings warmth and joy to your table.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole: No-Fuss Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings the classic Swedish meatball flavors into a convenient casserole format perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft this delectable meal with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that make cooking stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Create a universally loved dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a creamy, savory experience that transforms traditional meatball recipes into a delightful one-pan wonder.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy a flexible recipe that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Ingredient Guide

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

• Pasta: A comforting starch that creates the foundation of the casserole and absorbs the delicious sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy and bright flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that add depth and complexity to the ground beef mixture.

• Sour Cream, Milk: Contribute a smooth and creamy texture that binds the casserole ingredients together.

• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that balance and elevate the savory flavors of the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a golden, melty layer that provides a rich and indulgent finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to get ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Tame the Pasta

Boil the pasta following the package guidelines, then drain and set it aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it transforms into a delicious golden-brown masterpiece. Kick out any excess fat.

Step 4: Awaken the Flavor Makers

• Onion
• Garlic

Cook them with the beef until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and get all cozy for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Mix the Magic

• Cooked pasta
• Beef mixture
• Sour cream
• Milk

Combine until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and shower it with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese becomes a melty, bubbly wonderland.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for a few minutes before serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips for Making Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before baking for extra brightness.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomato sauce and reducing added salt.
• For gluten-free option, replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta.

Mix Up Simple Ground Beef Casserole Flavors

• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Inspired Casserole: Use ground lamb instead of beef, mix in crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and season with dried oregano and mint.
• Cheesy Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans, incorporate roasted bell peppers, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and mix in spinach.
• Creamy Mushroom Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture, use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato sauce, and top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Family-Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings everyone together.
• Fresh Tex-Mex Twist: Top individual servings with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to add zesty southwestern flair.
• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair with garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and create a satisfying, filling dinner experience.
• Veggie Side Boost: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli or zucchini as a nutritious side that complements the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Storage Made Simple

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as substitutes for ground beef in this casserole recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and cheesy topping make this casserole a hit with children and easy to customize with their favorite ingredients.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to create a more nutritious version of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Ground beef casserole emerges as a hearty classic from midwestern kitchens. Cheesy layers of pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce provide comfort that draws you closer to home-cooked satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (200 g) pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz/226 g) tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal baking temperature.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully removing excess grease.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent.
5. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, allowing mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.
6. Combine cooked pasta with beef mixture, blending in sour cream and milk to create a creamy consistency.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to help set and enhance serving consistency.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique taste profiles and exciting texture variations.
• For gluten-free options, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the beef cooking stage to boost nutritional value and introduce more colorful elements to the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg