If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that combines rich flavors with easy preparation, this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together savory browned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, with a warm, cheesy, satisfying taste that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients punch way above their weight here, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this casserole. From the savory ground beef and aromatic onion to the creamy sour cream and melty cheeses, every element brings something special to the table.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that delivers rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- Small onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, softening nicely as it cooks.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors brilliantly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick of spice to balance the richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herbaceous warmth that complements the tomato base.
- Tomato sauce (15-ounce can): Creates a smooth, tangy layer tying all ingredients together.
- Diced tomatoes, drained (14.5-ounce can): Injects texture and bursts of brightness throughout the casserole.
- Cooked pasta (2 cups): Choose penne or elbow to soak up the sauce and provide satisfying bite.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tang to balance the beef and tomatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into a rich, sharp layer that everyone loves.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides that perfect gooey stretch and mild flavor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten and add color before serving.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. This simple step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion turns soft and translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. This combo forms the flavorful backbone of your casserole.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Tomato
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting them cook together for an additional minute so all those fragrant aromas get released. Then, add in the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sour Cream
In a large bowl, mix your cooked pasta with the creamy sour cream for a smooth, rich coating that will marry beautifully with the beef mixture. This step makes the casserole ultra-moist and velvety.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Fold the beef and tomato mixture into the pasta and sour cream bowl, stirring gently until everything is evenly combined. Spread this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish and top it generously with both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Let it cool just a bit before serving to ensure those layers settle and every bite is just right.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens the dish beautifully. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for some subtle heat, or a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans round out the meal with vibrant bites and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives. You could even layer the casserole in clear glass dishes for a stunning view of the colorful layers, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Ground Beef Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake; cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through or cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can revive that freshly baked glow.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives that keep the casserole lighter but still tasty. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since poultry has a milder flavor.
Is it okay to use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente since they’ll soften further during baking.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your canned tomatoes and seasonings don’t contain gluten. This way, the dish stays inclusive and just as delicious.
What can I add to make it more vegetable-packed?
Great question! Toss in cooked spinach, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the beef for extra nutrients and flavor. This makes the recipe more colorful and nutritious without losing any comfort.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a tangy, lighter alternative. It enhances creaminess while reducing fat, making your Ground Beef Casserole Recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe truly shines as a family favorite that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for tasty leftovers, it hits all the right notes in flavor and comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite just like I do.
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Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting American classic, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal. It combines browned ground beef with flavorful tomato sauce and seasoned vegetables, layered with cooked pasta and creamy sour cream, then topped with a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to perfection. Customize it with your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
Pasta Mixture
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step develops the base flavor of the casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas. Then add the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sour Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sour cream, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Mix Beef and Pasta Together: Add the beef and tomato mixture to the bowl with pasta and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined for a consistent blend of flavors and textures.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly for easier serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture for more nutrients and flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter, tangy alternative.
- This casserole is freezer-friendly: assemble ahead of time and bake when ready for an easy make-ahead meal.
