Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory flavors and gooey cheese, it combines tender pasta and a creamy tomato-based sauce for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease before continuing.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add sour cream and mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Fold in the cooked pasta until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Try swapping sour cream with cream cheese for a richer sauce.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onion for added nutrition and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to your taste.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to eat.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring browned ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, combined with tender pasta, and topped with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Enhanced with creamy sour cream and baked to perfection, it makes an ideal family meal that’s simple to prepare and full of rich flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta and Dairy

• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Optional

• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Create Creamy Sauce: Add the sour cream to the skillet and mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Combine with Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is coated thoroughly with the savory, creamy sauce.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream; low-fat works but may affect creaminess.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; extend baking time slightly if baking from cold.
• Use any short pasta like penne or shells if elbows or rotini are not available.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure beef broth is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, baked beef pasta, cheesy beef casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food casserole