If you’re hunting for a truly satisfying comfort meal, this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is about to become your new secret weapon. Imagine chewy pasta, savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, tender veggies, and a golden, cheesy crust, all bubbling together in one cozy dish. It’s a meal that checks every box: hearty, family-friendly, and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and filling after a long day, this recipe captures the magic of classic casseroles in every cheesy forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with pantry standbys, yet each ingredient plays a special part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Gather these easy finds for a Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner that looks and tastes like you spent all day cooking—without the fuss!
- Ground beef: The backbone of the casserole; use lean for less grease or regular for richer flavor.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, plus a little bit of color when it caramelizes with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): A must for aromatic warmth—grate or finely chop for maximum flavor distribution.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Give the casserole a juicy tang and vibrant tomato flavor—don’t drain, since the juices boost the sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This is the secret to creaminess—classic and comforting, it binds everything together.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch of herbs for depth and that familiar, home-cooked aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and rich color to the casserole mix.
- Salt: Simple, but crucial—balances every other flavor and draws out the natural taste of the beef and veggies.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to complement the creamy ingredients.
- Cooked pasta (penne or egg noodles): The heart of your casserole—choose your favorite shape, but make sure it’s cooked to al dente.
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables: These offer color, pop, and a welcome sweetness—no need to thaw, just toss them in.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, gooey topping everyone races for—reserve some to layer on top.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Add crunch and contrast—mix with butter for an irresistible golden topping.
- Butter (melted): Binds the breadcrumbs and encourages crispiness and flavor.
How to Make Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This may seem straightforward, but it sets you up for a casserole with perfectly crisp edges and effortless serving—plus, the cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and diced onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft and caramelized. This step builds big foundational flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Veggies, and Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in your cooked pasta, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is thoroughly coated in that rich, creamy sauce—this is where it starts looking and smelling like a Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner!
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spoon your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle on the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For extra crunch, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling at the edges and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven so it sets up beautifully—now comes the hardest part: waiting!
How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, and a light dusting of paprika on top makes the cheesy crust look extra inviting. For a little extra flair, try a swirl of sour cream or a few crunchy fried onions.
Side Dishes
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner truly shines when paired with fuss-free sides. Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up extra sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted broccoli balances the richness and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a classic homestyle vibe, or scoop it into individual ramekins for dinner party elegance. For a fun twist, spoon it over mashed potatoes or stuff it inside hollowed bell peppers before topping with cheese and baking again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve the texture and flavor, and keep toppings as crisp as possible.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake when ready. Even after baking, individual portions freeze well—just wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also use the microwave for smaller portions; add a splash of water if needed to keep things moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly in this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner, as do vegetarian crumbles or lentils if you’re seeking a meatless version. Just adjust seasoning to taste since leaner meats may need a little extra flavor.
What kind of pasta is best?
While penne or egg noodles are classic choices, feel free to use rotini, shells, or even macaroni—just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up to baking and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Can I make this dish gluten free?
You sure can! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and double-check your soup and seasoning blends for any hidden wheat. The results are every bit as comforting and delicious.
Is it possible to assemble ahead and bake later?
Yes, one of the best things about Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is its flexibility. Simply assemble everything, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed when you’re ready. It makes dinnertime a breeze!
How do I make this casserole even healthier?
Try using ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium soup. You can also bulk up on veggies—think chopped spinach or carrots—for a lighter but still satisfying dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, filling, and utterly satisfying meal, this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is the answer. Serve it to your family, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy a cozy weeknight treat—you might just find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner 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 Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additions:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or egg noodles)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic, tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, seasonings, and simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in cooked pasta, peas or vegetables, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use cream of chicken soup instead.
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