Ultimate Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food, featuring rich, cheesy layers combined with flavorful ground beef. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. This hearty and satisfying dish is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for many households.

In this blog post, we will guide you through creating the ultimate Ground Beef Casserole, with tips and tricks to elevate the dish and make it your own. The versatility of this recipe means you can add your favorite vegetables, tweak the seasoning, and even use different types of cheeses. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

To make a delicious Ground Beef Casserole, you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef – lean ground beef works best for this dish to avoid excess grease.
1 small onion, finely chopped – adds a great base flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – for that aromatic depth.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – adds richness to the dish.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – for added texture.
2 cups cooked pasta – elbow macaroni, penne, or your favorite short pasta.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – gives that creamy, cheesy finish.
1 cup mozzarella cheese – for extra cheesiness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – perfect blend of herbs.
Salt and pepper to taste – to season the beef.
Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Add the aromatics: To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Combine the pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef-tomato mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Layer the casserole: Pour half of the pasta-beef mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cheese, creating delicious, cheesy layers.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

Choosing the right ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess fat. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Pasta choice: The type of pasta you use can make a difference in texture. Short pastas like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini work well because they hold the sauce and beef mixture perfectly.
Add veggies: Boost the nutritional content of this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just sauté the veggies with the beef and onions for extra flavor.
Spice it up: If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Make it creamy: For an extra creamy casserole, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture before layering with the pasta and cheese.

Why Ground Beef Casserole is a Family Favorite

Ground Beef Casserole is a beloved recipe because it’s:

Easy to Prepare: Even on busy weeknights, you can whip up this casserole with minimal effort.
Customizable: Add in your favorite ingredients like vegetables, different cheeses, or extra spices to make it uniquely yours.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the cheesy, hearty flavor of this dish, making it a dinner table winner.
Perfect for Meal Prepping: You can make a large batch, and it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat and serve when needed.

Variations to Try

Mexican Beef Casserole: Swap out the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning. Add black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a Mexican twist.
Vegetable Ground Beef Casserole: Add layers of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a healthier spin.
Loaded Ground Beef Casserole: Mix in cooked bacon pieces, and top with green onions and extra cheese for a loaded, decadent version.

Storing and Reheating

Ground Beef Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. If you have leftovers or are preparing it in advance, follow these simple steps for storing and reheating:

Storing: Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes beautifully. Wrap it well with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date!
Reheating: To reheat from the fridge, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a frozen casserole, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect dish for those who love comfort food but also want something easy and satisfying. Its versatility means you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors, while the core recipe remains simple and straightforward. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe will never disappoint.

For more delicious recipes like this one, stay tuned to our blog! Feel free to share your variations or tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you make this classic dish your own!