Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—easy to assemble, rich in flavor, and layered with beefy goodness, tender pasta, and melty cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to prep meals for the week, this classic casserole checks all the boxes. It’s warm, satisfying, and made with pantry staples, making it a favorite when time and energy are short.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This casserole brings together all the beloved elements of a homemade baked pasta dish: savory seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, tender noodles, and gooey cheese. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and freezer-friendly. You can add vegetables, use different cheeses, or spice it up depending on what’s in your fridge.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add Sauce and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat everything in the sauce.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Variations

Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy layer.
Taco Style: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian spices and top with crushed tortilla chips before baking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet
Saucepan for pasta
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

My Cooking Experience

This casserole has saved dinner time in my house more than once. It’s easy to throw together, and everyone goes back for seconds. I’ve played with adding in veggies, swapping cheeses, and even using ground turkey—it always turns out comforting and delicious.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole is a dependable, hearty meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s flexible, filling, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this dish delivers satisfying comfort in every bite.

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