Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that will please the whole family? This simple ground beef casserole recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with flavor, this casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or too much time in the kitchen. Follow along for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make this delicious recipe a staple in your home!
What is a Ground Beef Casserole?
A ground beef casserole is a baked dish made with ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and often a starchy base like potatoes, pasta, or rice. The ingredients are layered or mixed together in a casserole dish, then baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is versatile, allowing for endless combinations of ingredients and seasonings, making it an easy meal to customize based on what you have on hand. It’s a go-to comfort food that is both filling and flavorful, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to change up the flavor or reduce the fat content. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat alternatives or lentils as a protein source.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a lighter alternative, use cream of chicken soup or opt for a low-sodium variety. You can also make your own cream sauce using flour, butter, and milk.
- Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added kick.
- Pasta: If you prefer a low-carb option, substitute pasta with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
- Vegetables: Use any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, spinach, or green beans. Fresh or canned vegetables can be used in place of frozen ones.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly once it goes in.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the drained diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.
- Mix in the Creamy Base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, mixing everything until well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Layer with Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook your pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for "al dente" when boiling.
- Skipping the Draining Step: Always drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure your vegetables, especially if frozen, are fully thawed or sautéed to avoid a watery casserole.
- Forgetting the Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. The ground beef and vegetables need plenty of flavor to avoid a bland dish.
- Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking so that it holds together better when serving.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Ground beef casserole is a casual, comforting dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look appealing. Serve it family-style directly from the casserole dish or plate individual portions with care. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving for added indulgence.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of roasted potatoes or garlic bread would also complement the casserole nicely for a more filling meal.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole
- Classic Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the oven in the dish it was baked in. Use a decorative casserole dish for a more polished look.
- Individual Portions: Spoon the casserole into ramekins or small baking dishes for individual servings. This adds a personal touch and can make your meal feel more special.
- Garnished Elegance: Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color and flavor contrast.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. This is perfect for meal prep or busy nights.
- Freeze for Later: Ground beef casserole freezes well. Once cooled, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed potato chips, bread crumbs, or French fried onions over the cheese before baking.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup if you need to adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta will work well in this recipe. Penne, rotini, or shells are all good options. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente.
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze ground beef casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure to sauté or steam them before adding to the casserole to ensure they cook through evenly.
Conclusion
This simple ground beef casserole recipe is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that you can customize to suit your family’s tastes. With its hearty layers of beef, vegetables, pasta, and cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead of time for a gathering, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintSimple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This simple ground beef casserole recipe is a comforting, family-friendly dish packed with savory ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and pasta. It's quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights, offering a hearty meal with balanced flavors. Use it as a go-to dinner option that pleases everyone!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pasta (any type)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about ⅙ of the dish)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 85mg
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