Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
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Ground Beef Casserole is a warm, filling meal that brings simple ingredients together in one comforting dish. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It works well for busy weeknights because you can prepare most of it in one pan and bake it until bubbly. The flavors are familiar, making it a great choice for the whole family. You can also add vegetables, change the cheese, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. When dinner needs to be easy, hearty, and satisfying, this ground beef casserole is a recipe worth keeping close.
What Is Ground Beef Casserole?
Ground Beef Casserole is a baked dish made with cooked ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, seasonings, vegetables, and cheese. The ingredients cook together until the top turns golden and the sauce becomes rich and bubbly. It is similar to a beef pasta bake and makes an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth or reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain it and set it aside. Do not overcook it because it will cook again in the oven.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and beef broth. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture. Stir until the pasta gets an even coating of sauce.
- Add cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 375 F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges bubble.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Add fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Essential Note
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, but do not cook the meat too long or it may become dry. Drain extra fat after browning if needed. Cook the pasta only until just tender because it will continue cooking during baking. The sauce should look slightly loose before the casserole goes into the oven. Pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes, so a very thick sauce can make the finished dish dry.
For better flavor, brown the beef well instead of simply boiling it in the sauce. Break large pieces into small, even crumbles so every bite gets some beef. Make sure the cheese covers the surface for an even, melted topping. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions until hot throughout. You can also freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or corn for extra vegetables. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, and add red pepper flakes for more heat.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Brown the ground beef well for deeper flavor and better texture. Cook the pasta slightly less than the package directions so it stays firm after baking. Keep enough sauce in the mixture because the pasta will absorb some liquid in the oven. Shred cheese from a block when possible for smoother melting. For a crispy top, sprinkle a little extra cheese over the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce does not run onto the plate. If you want a richer casserole, add a small amount of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture. For extra vegetables, sauté them with the onion before adding the beef.
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