Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering ground beef casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a delicious meal everyone will adore.

Families crave these one-dish wonders that save time and deliver maximum flavor.

Layers of rich beef, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce come together effortlessly.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory goodness that fills hungry bellies.

Simple preparation means you can have dinner ready in under an hour.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, adding that irresistible touch that makes this casserole a weeknight winner.

Gather around the table and savor every delectable spoonful of this soul-warming classic.

Tasty Twists For Ground Beef Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based meat alternative for a meatless version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for lactose-intolerant diners.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory flavor profile.

Simple Casserole Serving Suggestions

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, ensuring it stays warm in a slow cooker or insulated carrier for maximum enjoyment.
• Weeknight Comfort Combo: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add extra nutrition and color to this classic comfort food casserole.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a delicious next-day meal that tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

Ground Beef Casserole Storage How-To

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor and nutritional profile.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make a homemade version.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Opt for lean ground beef, use low-fat sour cream and cheese, add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and choose whole wheat pasta for added nutrients.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Flavor Update

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty casserole that delivers warm, satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping pasta types, trying different cheeses, or adding vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick One-Pan Wonder: Prepare everything in a single skillet before baking, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknights.

Ingredients For Classic Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich protein source that forms the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Pasta: The perfect carrier for the savory beef mixture, adding texture and substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that creates a golden, delicious crust.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor enhancers add depth and aromatic warmth to the beef mixture.

• Tomato Sauce, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: These creamy ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that provide balanced and complementary flavors to the dish.

Steps To Prepare Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by turning the dial to 350°F (175°C).

This sets the perfect temperature for creating a deliciously golden casserole.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat And Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook everything over medium heat, breaking up the beef and stirring occasionally until it turns a rich brown color.

Make sure to drain any extra fat after cooking.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend all the wonderful flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Meat Mixture

Add your cooked pasta to the beef mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and looks irresistibly bubbly.

Ground Beef Casserole Handy Tips

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Select 85% or 90% lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor and keeping the casserole moist.
• Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfectly gooey, stretchy topping.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack to add complexity and personalize the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ground beef casserole delivers a hearty, comforting melody of flavors that dances across your palate. Cheesy layers and robust seasonings combine to create a satisfying meal home cooks will savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Starches:

• 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni, penne, or white/brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13 baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature, combining ground beef, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook thoroughly until beef turns completely brown, carefully draining accumulated fat.
3. Introduce tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into the skillet. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Fold cooked pasta into the savory beef mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients throughout the pan.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
6. Generously blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a complete coverage across the casserole surface.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, golden, and slightly bubbling layer.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter meal.
• Boost vegetable content by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the meat cooking stage for extra nutrition.
• Try cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend to create different flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg