Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

When time is short, but flavor is essential, one-pot meals like casseroles save the day. Whether you're a busy parent juggling nightly dinners or a home cook looking for satisfying comfort food, our Ground Beef Casserole is your answer. Packed with hearty ingredients, flavorful, and easy to cook, this dish checks all the boxes.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect ground beef casserole and tips to customize it for picky eaters or diet-specific needs. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser that will become a family favorite in no time.

Why Ground Beef Casseroles Are a Weeknight Hero

Casseroles have a timeless appeal. Here’s why this dish is such a staple in households around the world:

• One-pot Wonder: Less clean up after cooking, saving precious time.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an economical protein choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with substitutions and additions based on your family’s preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook once, enjoy leftovers for days!

There’s no doubt about it—this meal fits seamlessly into the busiest schedules without compromising on taste or nutrition.

What Makes this Ground Beef Casserole Extra Special?

The secret to a good casserole lies in layering textures and flavors. Our recipe uses pantry staples combined with simple seasonings that create rich, delicious layers.

• Savory Base: Perfectly seasoned ground beef forms the foundation.
• Creamy Layers: Velvety cheese and a touch of sour cream make it irresistibly creamy.
• Comforting Carb Element: Whether it’s pasta, rice, or potatoes, the starchy layer completes the meal.
• Melty Cheese Topping: Everything is sealed with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese for a picture-perfect finish.

The best part? You’ll need just 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or macaroni work best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added veggies)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ground Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grab your baking dish (9x13 inch works great) and grease it lightly.
2. Layer the cooked pasta at the bottom of the dish. Spread sour cream evenly over the pasta.
3. Pour the beef and tomato mixture evenly on top.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

1. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the casserole.
2. If using baby spinach, layer it under the cheese for a hidden dose of greens (your picky eaters won’t notice!).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Turn the broiler on for 2–3 minutes to create a golden crust on top (optional).

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

1. Customize Your Protein

Not a fan of ground beef? You can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarian? Replace the beef with lentils or plant-based protein crumbles.

2. Diet-Friendly Tweaks

• Low-Carb: Use cooked cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more nutrients.

3. Freeze for Later

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out into airtight containers after it cools, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.

Why Families Love This Recipe

This casserole shines because it hits all the right notes—it’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With layers of melty cheese and savory ground beef, even the pickiest eaters at the table will dig in happily. Plus, the recipe allows plenty of room for creativity, so you’ll never get bored.

Wrapping it Up

There’s something inherently nostalgic and heartwarming about enjoying a casserole that’s straight out of the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting this Ground Beef Casserole recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to. Serve it up on a busy weeknight or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings—you truly can’t go wrong.

Ready to elevate your kitchen game? Try this recipe tonight and savor every bite. If you liked this dish, be sure to explore our other slow-cooker and freezer-friendly recipes for meal planning made easy.