Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Casserole featuring tender pasta, flavorful seasoned beef, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for an easy family dinner, this casserole balances savory tomato sauce with creamy sour cream and ricotta, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or elbow)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer: Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juice. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Combine Pasta and Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and ricotta or cottage cheese if using. Add the meat sauce and stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap pasta for cooked rice or use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra vegetables and flavor.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
