Searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family to the table? Look no further. This classic Ground Beef Casserole is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that layers savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all baked under a golden blanket of melted cheese. It’s simple, reliable, and packed with flavor.
We’ve designed this recipe to be straightforward and forgiving, using simple pantry staples to create something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Why This is the BEST Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a perfected classic designed for the modern home cook. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it over the weekend for a stress-free dinner during the week.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or use a different type of pasta or cheese. We’ll give you plenty of ideas below!
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this easy ground beef casserole are simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef to minimize grease.
- Pasta: Egg noodles are classic, but any short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni works beautifully.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Creates the rich, savory base of the casserole sauce.
- Sour Cream: This is the secret to an incredibly creamy texture without needing canned soup. Full-fat sour cream works best.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to use a blend of Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper are all you need to perfectly season this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easily this comes together? Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. You want it slightly undercooked since it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef & Veggies
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before stirring in the sour cream. This prevents the sour cream from curdling.
4. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente is key to avoiding a mushy casserole after baking.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is free of anti-caking agents and melts into a much smoother, creamier topping.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set, making it much easier to serve. If you’re craving a similar flavor profile in a skillet, try this Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Easy Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Casserole is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or green beans with the sauce. You can also sauté sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onions.
- Switch the Meat: This recipe works great with ground turkey or even ground sausage. For a different but equally comforting meal, check out this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a little kick of heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream. To make it ahead, assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of garlic bread are all excellent choices. For a truly comforting dinner spread, consider starting with a bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole without baking it, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
To freeze, allow the baked or unbaked casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
The casserole is done when the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is completely melted and has started to turn golden brown. This typically takes 20-25 minutes in a 375°F (190°C) oven.
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similarly creamy texture. A can of condensed cream of mushroom soup can also be used for a more traditional approach.
This recipe is very versatile! You can easily add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, or stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or steamed green beans along with the sauce.
More Comfort Food Recipes To Try
We hope you love this easy and cheesy Ground Beef Casserole as much as we do! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and rating below. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole (Easy, Cheesy, & Kid-Approved!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before stirring in the sour cream.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the beef sauce. Mix well. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overcook your pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking it al dente is perfect.
Tip 3: Let the meat sauce cool slightly before adding the sour cream to ensure a creamy, smooth sauce without any curdling.
