Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

A Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory ground beef, tender pasta, vegetables, and melted cheese into a hearty, easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. This simple, yet delicious casserole is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks.
• Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix the seasonings into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
• If you’re using frozen corn and diced bell peppers, stir them into the beef mixture at this stage.

4. Combine the Beef and Pasta:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

5. Layer the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta and beef mixture into the bottom of the dish.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
• Add the remaining pasta and beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

1. Vegetable Add-Ins:

• For a more nutritious casserole, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or carrots into the beef mixture. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

2. Spice It Up:

• If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the beef mixture. You could also drizzle the finished casserole with hot sauce for an extra kick.

3. Use Ground Turkey:

• To lighten up the dish, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. It will still be flavorful and delicious!

4. Cheese Substitutes:

• You can use a mix of cheeses based on your preference. Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a Mexican blend cheese can be great substitutes or additions to cheddar and mozzarella.

5. Make It Ahead:

• Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold).

6. Freezer-Friendly:

• This casserole is also freezer-friendly. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes:
  • Serve this ground beef casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• Sauce Options:
  • For a creamier version, you can stir in ½ cup of sour cream or ricotta cheese into the beef mixture before assembling the casserole.
• Leftover Magic:
  • If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner. You can also turn leftovers into a sandwich filling or a burrito base.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigeration:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• As mentioned, you can freeze the whole casserole or individual portions. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect crowd-pleaser with its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to customize and can be whipped up with pantry staples, making it a versatile, go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will deliver comfort and satisfaction every time!

Yield: 6

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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A Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory ground beef, tender pasta, vegetables, and melted cheese into a hearty, easy-to-make dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. This simple, yet delicious casserole is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
   
2. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   
4. Add Onion and Garlic:
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, and cook for about 3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
   
5. Stir in Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes:
   Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
   
6. Mix with Pasta and Sour Cream:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef and tomato mixture, and the sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
   
7. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
   
8. Bake:
   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
9. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version, and you can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.