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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
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.
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.
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.
Create Creamy Sauce: Add the sour cream to the skillet and mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Combine with Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is coated thoroughly with the savory, creamy sauce.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
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