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
Scale
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
