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ground beef casserole
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ground beef casserole

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat everything in the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  7. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • 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.