Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a warm, hearty, and comforting dinner made with savory ground beef and plenty of melted cheese. The beef is cooked with simple seasonings and combined with creamy, flavorful ingredients for a dish that is filling and delicious. The cheesy top becomes golden and bubbly in the oven, making every bite extra satisfying.
This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. It comes together without much effort and is great served with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread. It also makes tasty leftovers for the next day.
Table of Contents
Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta, such as penne or elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- Fresh parsley for topping, optional
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. The sauce should become slightly thicker and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – The steps are simple and use everyday ingredients, so you can make this casserole without much cooking experience.
- Perfect for Busy Nights – Everything comes together quickly, making it a great choice when you need dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly – The combination of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese is comforting and delicious for both kids and adults.
- Cheesy and Delicious – A generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella gives every bite a tasty, gooey finish.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Choose Lean Ground Beef – Lean beef means less grease and makes the casserole lighter.
- Use Jarred Sauce – Replace the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with your favorite pasta sauce for a quick shortcut.
- Grate Cheese Ahead – Shred the cheese before you start cooking so everything is ready when you need it.
- Do Not Overcook the Pasta – Cook it just until tender because it will continue cooking in the oven.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole
This ground beef casserole is one of my favorite comforting dinners to make for my family, especially on busy evenings. I love serving it warm with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread, while my husband usually enjoys his with Lemonade . The hearty ground beef, flavorful sauce, and comforting layers make this an easy family meal that everyone looks forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef ?
Yes. Ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the casserole a little lighter.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy ?
Cook the pasta until just tender and avoid overcooking the casserole. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I use gluten-free pasta ?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I make this casserole creamy ?
Yes. Stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or sour cream before adding the pasta for a creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
Freezer Storage
Cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ground Beef Casserole
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes430
kcal50
minutesThis easy Ground Beef Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and filling dinner made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetables, and melted cheese. It is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces pasta, such as penne or elbow macaroni
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup water or beef broth
Fresh parsley for topping, optional
Directions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta ,Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef ,Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning ,Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce ,Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. The sauce should become slightly thicker and flavorful.
- Step 5: Assemble the Casserole ,Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Bake and Serve ,Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking.
- Add extra vegetables for more flavor and color.
- Use mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
- Add mushrooms if you enjoy them.
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