If there’s one recipe I find myself reaching for again and again on busy weeknights, it’s this Simple Ground Beef Casserole. Imagine a warm, bubbly bake overflowing with melting cheese, tender pasta, and savory ground beef, all brought together with just the right lift of tomato sauce and herbs. This is true comfort food that never fails to bring smiles to the table, and best of all, the ingredients are easy to find and the steps are refreshingly straightforward. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or prepping for leftovers, this is one irresistible casserole you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready for the magic? Every ingredient in Simple Ground Beef Casserole has a special role to play, adding richness, tang, creaminess, or melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t overlook the power of these basics—they come together and create something extraordinary.
- 1 lb ground beef: The heart of this dish, it provides a savory, meaty base with plenty of flavor.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and texture, boosting both aroma and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings rich, fragrant flavor that melds perfectly with the beef and sauce.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Offers saucy richness and tang, wrapping the other flavors in a cozy, tomatoey hug.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: The herby touch that wakes up the casserole with classic notes of oregano and basil.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to pull all the flavors into harmony.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild bite and finishes the flavor profile.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): Noodles soak up sauce and cheese, delivering satisfying bite in every forkful.
- 1 cup sour cream: Here comes the creaminess! This tames acidity and adds a lovely tang.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Classic, melty, and sharp, cheddar is a key player in bold flavor and gooey top layers.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For extra stretch, melt, and that irresistible browned cheese finish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Sprinkle on at the end for fresh color and a hint of herbiness.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First, set the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready when your casserole is assembled, so you’ll get that bubbly, golden top every time. While the oven heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a touch of oil or cooking spray for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook together, stirring often, until the beef loses its pink and the onion turns soft and translucent—about 7 to 8 minutes. This step not only builds flavor but gives your casserole its hearty base. Remember to drain off the excess grease for a lighter, cleaner finish.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Sauce, and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This melds all those robust flavors right into the beef.
Step 4: Mix Pasta, Sour Cream, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta, lovely creamy sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This trio is what transforms the dish into a luscious, cozy casserole—it helps distribute richness and cheesiness in every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble the Casserole
Add your simmered beef mixture to the pasta bowl, stirring gently until well blended. Transfer everything into your prepped baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella. Those gorgeous layers will bake up golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden, melted, and irresistible. Let the Simple Ground Beef Casserole rest for about 5 minutes so everything sets up nicely. Finish with a sprinkling of bright parsley (if you like) for a fresh touch.
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole truly shines with just a little flourish. Try a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or basil, or even green onions, to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan never hurts!
Side Dishes
Simple Ground Beef Casserole plays beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or some classic garlic bread to soak up any saucy bits left on your plate. Steamed broccoli or buttery green beans work well for balancing out the hearty, rich main.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to have a little fun? Serve hearty scoops in individual ramekins for dinner parties or lunchboxes, or bake in a cast-iron skillet for down-home flair. If you’re warming up leftovers, try folding the casserole into a wrap or stuffing it in a bell pepper for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Ground Beef Casserole is your new lunchtime hero! Once completely cool, transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making busy weekdays a breeze.
Freezing
This casserole is, frankly, made for your freezer. You can assemble everything (up to the baking step), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—maybe add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s still chilly in the middle.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works great—just a couple of minutes and let it rest so the heat distributes. Either way, you’ll get those gooey, cheesy results all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully in place of beef, and even a plant-based ground makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly while keeping the hearty texture.
What pasta shapes are best in this casserole?
Elbow macaroni and rotini are classic because their nooks soak up sauce, but penne or shells are tasty alternatives. Use whatever pasta you have on hand, keeping it just-cooked so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
How can I lighten up the Simple Ground Beef Casserole?
Try using ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of beef and sour cream. Opt for reduced-fat cheese if you like, and toss in extra veggies such as diced bell pepper or spinach for a nutritious twist.
Can I make this ahead for busy nights?
Definitely! Assemble everything but don’t bake—cover tightly and pop in the fridge for up to 1 day. When dinnertime comes, just bake as directed. It’s a perfect plan-ahead meal for packed schedules.
Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same and just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that delivers comfort, ease, and plenty of happy faces, Simple Ground Beef Casserole can’t be beat. Give it a spot on your weeknight menu or whip up a double batch to share—this recipe is tried, true, and absolutely worth baking again and again.
Print
Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese come together in a deliciously easy bake.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, tomato sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta, sour cream, and half of cheddar cheese. Stir in the beef mixture.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Enhance with chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
