Looking for an easy, hearty, and delicious meal to serve your family tonight? This simple ground beef casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It’s packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting out, you'll find this dish incredibly satisfying and easy to make. Keep reading to discover how to create this mouth-watering casserole and some tips on how to make it your own.

What is a Ground Beef Casserole?
A ground beef casserole is a baked dish that typically consists of ground beef, vegetables, a starch (like pasta, rice, or potatoes), and cheese or a creamy sauce. It’s all combined into one dish and cooked in the oven. This type of meal is extremely versatile because you can mix and match ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. It’s also an excellent dish for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, making it a staple in many households.
Ingredients List for Simple Ground Beef Casserole
To make this classic ground beef casserole, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s what you'll need to get started:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish on the lighter side, but you can use any variety you prefer.
- 1 medium onion, diced – This adds flavor and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the savory flavors in the casserole.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds a bit of acidity and moisture to balance out the richness of the beef.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – For creaminess and texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar gives that delicious cheesy layer.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or any short pasta) – The pasta helps make the dish more filling.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds a bit of tang and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To season the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a bit of spice and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional) – Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
Ingredient Variations for Ground Beef Casserole
Want to switch things up a bit or cater to specific dietary needs? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground turkey or chicken – Swap out the beef for a leaner option like ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Vegetarian version – Use a plant-based ground beef alternative or simply increase the vegetables and add beans for protein.
- Cheese options – You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Add more veggies – Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional content.
- Sauce alternatives – Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken soup or even a marinara sauce if you want a more Italian-inspired casserole.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta or swap the pasta for cooked rice to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this simple ground beef casserole. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal your whole family will love.
How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly once it’s assembled.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: 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 the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef: Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix in the diced tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir in the sour cream to add creaminess to the casserole.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta and beef mixture into the dish. Smooth it out into an even layer.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set and makes it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your ground beef casserole turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once baked in the casserole.
- Forgetting to drain the beef: If you don’t drain the fat after browning the beef, your casserole may end up greasy.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Ground beef can be bland without enough salt, pepper, and other spices.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes serving much easier.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate a simple dish like ground beef casserole into something special. Here are a few ways to serve and present your casserole:
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the casserole.
- Bread on the side: Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a dinner roll to soak up any leftover sauce.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
Once your casserole is done and rested, use a large serving spoon to scoop portions onto individual plates. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, for a balanced meal. If you want to keep things super simple, serve it with a side of crusty bread to mop up any cheesy goodness left on the plate.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole
- Family-style serving: If you're serving this at a family dinner, place the entire casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves.
- Individual ramekins: For a more upscale presentation, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a restaurant-like feel.
- Layered look: Add layers of extra cheese between the pasta and beef mixture to create a visually appealing cheesy swirl when scooping it out.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
- Freezer-friendly: Ground beef casserole freezes exceptionally well. After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Adjust for spiciness: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ground beef casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I freeze leftover casserole?
Absolutely. Once cooked, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
Leftover ground beef casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just make sure to cook it al dente.
Conclusion
This simple ground beef casserole recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With its creamy, cheesy layers and rich, savory beef, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with so many ways to customize it to suit your tastes, you’ll never get bored of making (or eating) this dish. So gather your ingredients and give this hearty casserole a try—you won’t regret it!
Enjoy!
PrintSimple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This simple ground beef casserole recipe is a hearty, family-friendly dish featuring flavorful beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta. Perfect for quick dinners, this easy casserole is a must-try comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta and ground beef mixture in a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or any favorite cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Leave a Reply