Ground beef casserole has been a staple in my kitchen for years, a true testament to simple, satisfying meals. I remember my mom making it on chilly evenings, the aroma of savory beef and simmering tomatoes filling our home, instantly making it feel cozy. This dish is pure comfort food, and I’ve tweaked it over time to create what I believe is the absolute best easy beef casserole recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a hearty, flavorful bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly delicious, packed with savory beef and cheesy goodness that the whole family will devour. Plus, it’s a wonderfully simple ground beef casserole that comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how budget-friendly it is, using common pantry staples to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic option for ground beef dinner ideas because it’s so versatile and quick to prepare. The comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic creamy ground beef casserole. You’ll need:

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing aromatics
1 pound (450g) ground beef – 80/20 is great for flavor
1 medium yellow onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds a sweet base
2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential savory punch
2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni – cooked al dente, about 7-8 minutes
1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce – the savory liquid base
1 can (14.5oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained – adds texture and tomato flavor
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – a classic blend of herbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of color and warmth
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided – for that gooey, classic cheese pull
1 cup (90g) shredded mozzarella cheese – adds to the creamy texture
1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream – makes it wonderfully rich and creamy
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) – for a pop of freshness

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Making this comforting dish is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a delicious ground beef bake that will become a family favorite.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a large pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. Add 2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni and cook for about 7–8 minutes, until it’s al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften. Toss in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add the 1 pound (450g) ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Pour in the 1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce and the 1 can (14.5oz/410g) diced tomatoes, undrained. Stir in the 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Let this mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. This is where the magic starts to happen for your hamburger casserole!
Step 4: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream, half of the 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked macaroni. Mix everything gently until it’s well combined. Pour this delicious mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Top it evenly with the remaining cheddar and all the 1 cup (90g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if you like. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your hearty ground beef dinner ideas creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole

Want to elevate your comfort food game? Follow these insider tips for the most delicious ground beef bake:

Always shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. It makes a huge difference in achieving that perfect, creamy texture.
For an extra flavor boost, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. They add a wonderful depth and a hint of smokiness.
Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the casserole. It will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is key.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Casserole?

The secret to a truly perfect ground beef casserole lies in the details. Using freshly shredded cheese and adding the sour cream off the heat ensures a wonderfully creamy texture. It’s what makes this an amazing best ground beef casserole recipe. For more tips on achieving perfect textures in cooking, you can explore resources on culinary techniques.

Can I make Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this hamburger casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold. This is a great way to save time, similar to how many make-ahead meals are prepared.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Casserole?

To prevent a dry casserole, avoid overcooking the pasta initially; aim for al dente. Also, make sure not to skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the casserole to set, preventing it from becoming watery when served. Proper resting is a key step in many baked dishes, much like in baking breads.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

This hearty ground beef casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your dinner. For a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. It’s a great way to incorporate some fresh elements and make it feel like a complete ground beef casserole with vegetables, even if the veggies are on the side! Another classic pairing is warm, crusty garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra savory sauce. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese. For more ideas on side dishes, check out these complementary recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of this delicious ground beef bake:

Calories: 420 calories
Fat: 18g
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your hamburger casserole. Understanding nutritional information can be helpful for dietary planning, and you can find more details on nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Casserole

This delicious ground beef bake is fantastic for meal prep, making it a go-to for busy cooks. Once it’s cooled down completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of this hamburger casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Reheating is super simple, making it a perfect option for a quick ground beef casserole dinner later in the week. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or place a larger portion in a baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

Ground Beef Casserole: 5 Amazing Twists - Ground Beef Casserole - additional detail

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Casserole

What is a ground beef casserole?

A ground beef casserole is essentially a baked dish featuring ground beef as a primary ingredient, often combined with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables, bound together with a sauce or cheese. It’s a versatile dish, and how to make ground beef casserole often involves layering ingredients and baking until bubbly and golden. It’s a classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners.

Can I add more vegetables to this ground beef casserole?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can easily incorporate other vegetables like corn, peas, green beans, or diced carrots into the beef mixture before baking. This is a fantastic way to make your ground beef bake even more nutritious and colorful. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to cook through in the baking time.

What kind of pasta is best for ground beef casserole?

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for this hamburger casserole because its shape holds the sauce and cheese wonderfully. However, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just make sure to cook them to al dente before mixing them into the casserole base, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

How do I get a crispier top on my ground beef casserole?

For a deliciously crispy topping on your ground beef dinner ideas, try adding a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter or Parmesan cheese over the top before the final bake. Alternatively, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Variations of Ground Beef Casserole You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic, you might want to explore some exciting twists on your favorite ground beef bake. For a lighter meal, try a version of ground beef casserole without pasta, perhaps using cauliflower rice or extra vegetables as the base. If you’re craving a different texture, consider a Tater tot casserole ground beef, where crispy tater tots top the savory meat mixture. You could also transform it into a comforting Shepherd’s pie casserole by topping it with mashed potatoes instead of cheese. For another twist, explore a hearty ground beef pasta bake by mixing in different pasta shapes or adding a creamy sauce. You can find inspiration for many casserole recipes here.