Looking for a meal that brings everyone to the table, feels like a warm hug, and comes together with minimal fuss? Simple Ground Beef Casserole is exactly that dish. Each bite is the perfect balance of savory beef, tender pasta, creamy goodness, and gooey cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving good old comfort food, this casserole checks every box. It’s one of those timeless recipes you’ll want to keep close, and it’s so easy to customize that you’ll never get bored of it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Simple Ground Beef Casserole is in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role, making the dish hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single ingredient!
- Ground beef: The star of the show, giving the casserole its rich, meaty bite and satisfying protein.
- Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out the savory flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves bring a fragrant punch that makes everything taste homemade.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is well seasoned.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and balances the richness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the casserole its classic, comforting aroma.
- Uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne): Pasta soaks up the sauce and holds everything together for the perfect forkful.
- Tomato sauce: Lends tang, moisture, and that comforting red-sauce vibe.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that makes every bite luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, melty layer on top that browns beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh finish that brightens up the whole dish.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and setting a large pot of salted water to boil. Cooking your pasta until just al dente is key here, since it’ll keep cooking as the casserole bakes. Drain the pasta and set it aside—the perfect foundation for your Simple Ground Beef Casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, drizzle in the olive oil and heat it over medium. Add the diced onion and let it sweat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s soft and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and give it another 30 seconds—just long enough to release that amazing aroma without burning.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Crumble the ground beef into the skillet with your onions and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with your spoon, until there’s no pink left and the meat is nicely browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, allowing those flavors to meld together for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes—this step infuses the meat with all that tomatoey goodness and keeps the casserole from drying out later.
Step 5: Mix in Pasta and Sour Cream
Now, off the heat, fold in the cooked pasta and sour cream. This creates a creamy, dreamy base and ensures every noodle is coated in flavor. The sour cream also helps keep the casserole moist and rich as it bakes.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Cheese
Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out for even coverage. Sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top—you want every bite to get some of that golden, bubbly cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set up for perfect slices.
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the casserole. If you want to get creative, try adding a few sliced green onions or a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
Simple Ground Beef Casserole loves good company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a cozy weeknight, even steamed broccoli or a quick slaw works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for casual nights, or spoon portions into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. If you’re feeling fancy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of parsley—guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of your Simple Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each reheated serving just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend! Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you want the cheese extra bubbly, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni and penne are classics for Simple Ground Beef Casserole, feel free to use rotini, shells, or whatever short pasta you have on hand—just cook it al dente.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use low-fat sour cream and cheese if you prefer. You can also toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a boost of nutrition and color.
Can I assemble Simple Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time since it’ll be starting cold.
What can I do if my casserole is too dry?
If you find it a bit dry after baking, simply drizzle a little extra warmed tomato sauce over the top or add a splash of milk before reheating. Covering the dish while baking can also help retain moisture.
Can I make Simple Ground Beef Casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that the tomato sauce and seasonings you use are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a casserole pro or just discovering the magic of cheesy bakes, give this Simple Ground Beef Casserole a try. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, fills your kitchen with comforting aromas, and disappears fast from the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with those you love!
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and full of family-friendly flavors, it’s an ideal dinner option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked pasta along with 1/2 cup sour cream, stirring until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add vegetables such as diced bell peppers or fresh spinach to increase nutrition and add color.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
