Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that hits all the right flavor notes, this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in creamy sour cream and bubbling cheese, layered perfectly with savory, tomato-kissed ground beef seasoned just right to make every bite sing. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, easy to whip up on a weeknight, and satisfying enough to make you feel like you’re indulging in a special treat. Let me walk you through the journey of making this classic casserole that has become a cherished favorite for so many.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe begins with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for a big payoff. Each component plays a key role: from the robust ground beef to the creamy sour cream, and not to forget the melty cheeses that bring everything together beautifully.

• 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that offers rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic zest that livens up the meat.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds fresh tomato brightness and moisture.
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, saucy base full of tomato goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the casserole’s overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and warmth.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate flavors.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne): The hearty carb foundation to make this dish filling and comforting.
• 1 cup sour cream: Brings creamy tanginess that enriches the pasta mixture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds that irresistible cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a wonderful stretchy topping when baked.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and keep things flavorful and moist.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully after baking. This step might seem small, but it’s key for easy serving and clean-up.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This base layer builds the savory foundation of your casserole and lets those flavors mingle before the ground beef joins the party.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s fully browned. This gives that succulent meat color and texture. Remember to drain off the excess grease once cooked to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Mixture

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer on low for about 10 minutes. This simmering step melds the flavors and thickens the sauce just enough to cling to the ground beef, creating a rich, tasty layer in your casserole.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your meat sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside. The pasta is a comforting base that soaks up all the incredible flavors from the other ingredients without getting mushy.

Step 6: Mix Pasta with Sour Cream and Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture keeps the pasta creamy and cheesy while balancing the acidity in the tomato sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Layer the savory ground beef tomato sauce evenly over it, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top. This creates a beautiful layering of flavors and textures that’s just begging to be baked.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This cheesy topping is what’ll melt into a bubbly, golden-brown crust that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 9: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps the layers settle so you get perfect portions every time.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich casserole. For a little extra zing, a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle, warming kick.

Side Dishes

Serve your Ground Beef Casserole Recipe with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also wonderful if you want to keep things indulgent and soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look impressive and keep the gooey cheese intact. You could also add a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to sneak in some greens while boosting flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen as it rests, making for even tastier next-day meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, place the unbaked assembled casserole in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covered with foil or plastic wrap. It can last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For best results, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving works for convenience, but the oven will preserve the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or penne are traditional, feel free to experiment with rigatoni, rotini, or shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free or lower in fat?

Yes, you can swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative or Greek yogurt, and use reduced-fat cheeses or less cheese overall. These tweaks can lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful and creamy.

Can I prepare this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely. Substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils, textured vegetable protein, or a mix of mushrooms and tofu. The tomato sauce and cheese layers will still provide plenty of comforting flavors.

What is the best way to add more veggies into this casserole?

Adding finely chopped or shredded vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers either into the meat sauce or pasta mixture is a great idea. Sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften and infuse flavor.

Can I double the recipe to feed a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling the ingredients and baking in a larger or two separate dishes works perfectly. Keep an eye on baking times as larger casseroles might need an extra 5-10 minutes to heat through evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a wonderful blend of comfort and flavor that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation — it’s that good!

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