Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and simple to whip up, this Easy Ground Beef Casserole is just what you need. Packed with savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone rush to the dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want something comforting and delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- Super quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy families and weeknight dinners.
- Loaded with cheesy, savory flavor that everyone will adore.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easily customizable with veggies, spices, or different cheeses.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Easy Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup (90g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7–8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef & Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine and Layer the Casserole
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, half the cheddar cheese, and cooked macaroni. Mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes: Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option (see comparison here).
- For extra flavor, try swapping in fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes.
- If your casserole seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or a little more tomato sauce before baking (more casserole tips).
Easy Ground Beef Casserole Variations
- Mexican Style: Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 cup corn, and top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa.
- Veggie Loaded: Mix in 1 cup chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower florets.
Required Equipment for Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- Large skillet
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- 9×13-inch (23x33cm) casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Easy Ground Beef Casserole Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for added creaminess and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- For the best flavor, brown your ground beef thoroughly until it’s deeply caramelized (learn how here).
- Shred your own cheese for maximum meltability—pre-shredded cheese can be coated and won’t melt as smoothly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
Easy Ground Beef Casserole FAQ
- Can I make Easy Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake just before serving.
- Can I freeze Easy Ground Beef Casserole?
- Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
- What other pasta shapes can I use?
- Rotini, penne, or shells all work great in this casserole—just cook until al dente.
For more on the nutritional value of beef, check out this resource.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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3In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
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4Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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5Combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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6Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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