The Best Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

My weeknight dinner game changed when I discovered this simple ground beef casserole that brings comfort and convenience to the table.

Hungry families deserve quick meals that satisfy without complicated techniques.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly to create a dish everyone will devour.

Rich layers of flavor emerge from basic pantry staples you already have.

Minimal prep work means you can relax while something delicious bakes in the oven.

Cheesy, warm, and totally unpretentious, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable.

Dive in and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Works For Any Night

• Quick Meal Solution: Whip up this hearty casserole in under 45 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Combines kid-approved ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese that everyone will love.
• Budget-Conscious Dinner: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress after a long day.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Components

• Ground Beef: The star of the casserole, providing rich meaty flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the casserole. Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a delicious flavor foundation for the dish. Fresh ingredients will provide the best taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herb blend for depth and traditional Italian-style taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy background to the casserole. Canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and helps bind the casserole together. Sharp cheddar offers more intense taste.
• Sour Cream: Creates a rich, smooth texture and adds subtle tanginess to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor when cooking.

Ground Beef Casserole Easy Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole to bake beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta following the package guidelines until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown delight.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer and meld together for 5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Creamy Mixture

• Cooked pasta
• Sour cream
• Half of the shredded cheese

Mix everything until it becomes a harmonious, tempting combination.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and develops a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately.

Get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Reliable Advice For Making Ground Beef Casserole Taste Great

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Experiment with various cheese types like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add extra nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process.
• Adjust seasonings by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.

Keep Ground Beef Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Allow casserole to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and condensation.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Place container on a shelf, not in the door, for consistent cool temperature.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore creamy consistency.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Pairings

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel that complements the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the creamy texture.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole, adding brightness and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add a nutritious, colorful side that provides a fresh counterpoint to the meat-based main dish.

Ground Beef Casserole Easy Meal Variants

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower, creating a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, offering a meat-free option that keeps the dish's rich and comforting texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort meal.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, making the casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals without sacrificing creamy goodness.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best in this casserole?

Ground beef is recommended, but you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. These alternatives will work well and provide similar texture and flavor to the original recipe.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The simple ingredients and cheesy topping make this casserole a hit with children. The mild seasonings and familiar components like pasta and ground beef appeal to most kids’ taste preferences.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Try mixing in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach during the meat cooking stage. These vegetables will blend seamlessly into the casserole and boost its nutritional value without changing the overall flavor profile.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired beef casserole brings comfort and zest to family dinner tables with layers of savory ground beef, cheese, and tortillas. Bold spices and melted cheese make this dish a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups pasta (any type)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing it for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Cook the pasta in boiling water until it reaches an al dente consistency, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame, creating a perfect cooking environment.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef to the aromatic vegetable mixture, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until it achieves a rich, brown color.
6. Eliminate excess grease from the meat by carefully draining the fat from the skillet.
7. Pour in diced tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors.
8. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the savory sauce.
9. Incorporate sour cream, creating a creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.
10. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
11. Transfer the entire concoction to a prepared casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly.
12. Crown the casserole with the remaining cheese, creating an enticing golden topping.
13. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden blanket.
14. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
15. Dish out generous portions and savor the comforting, homemade meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster and easier, especially chopping onions and measuring spices in advance.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the sauté stage to boost nutrition and create more texture in the casserole.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg