Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy meal that satisfies the entire family? This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect choice! Made with minimal ingredients and ready in under an hour, this casserole combines seasoned ground beef, pasta or rice, and plenty of cheese for a delicious and comforting dish. Whether you’re prepping dinner for a busy weeknight or just want something hearty and filling, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. Let’s dive into how to make it, plus tips for variations and customizations to suit your taste.

What is a Ground Beef Casserole?

A Ground Beef Casserole is a one-dish meal made by layering or mixing cooked ground beef with pasta, rice, or vegetables, along with cheese and sauce. It’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something easy yet satisfying. This recipe combines savory ground beef with a creamy sauce and cheese, baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s comforting, filling, and delicious.

Ingredients List for Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to create this easy casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work well)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, or your favorite seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is easy to customize with ingredients you have on hand or to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Swap Proteins: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
2. Pasta Alternatives: Use other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or egg noodles. You can also substitute pasta with cooked rice or quinoa for a different texture.
3. Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese would add a new flavor dimension.
4. Add Veggies: Mix in veggies like peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
5. Creamy or Tomato-based: Use marinara sauce or tomato sauce in place of the cream of mushroom soup for a tomato-based version, or mix the two for a creamy tomato flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the flavors combine.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (if using), and drained diced tomatoes. This will form the creamy base for the casserole.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy mixture and stir until everything is well coated. For a slightly creamier sauce, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine with Ground Beef: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl with the creamy pasta, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
2. Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the ground beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Add the remaining ground beef and pasta mixture, then top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.

How to Cook Simple Ground Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Pasta: While the ground beef is browning, boil the pasta according to package instructions, making sure to cook it al dente. This ensures the pasta won’t become mushy after baking.
2. Brown the Beef: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Stir the ground beef, pasta, and sauce together carefully to ensure everything is evenly mixed and coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Layer with Cheese: Adding cheese in layers helps ensure you get gooey, melty cheese throughout the entire casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Beef: If you skip draining the fat from the ground beef, the casserole may turn out greasy. Always drain excess fat for a cleaner-tasting dish.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will continue to soften as the casserole bakes, potentially becoming mushy.
• Forgetting to Season: Don’t forget to season the beef mixture and creamy sauce. Without enough seasoning, the casserole can turn out bland.
• Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-friendly dinner. It pairs well with simple side dishes like a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
• Portion-Controlled: For a more polished presentation, cut the casserole into squares and plate each serving individually. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nice finishing touch.

Presentation Ideas for Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil adds a fresh burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Top with Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.
• Serve with Salsa: For a Tex-Mex twist, serve the casserole with a dollop of salsa or guacamole on top.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just cover it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy nights.

2. Can I freeze Simple Ground Beef Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it but don’t bake it, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. Can I use rice instead of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute cooked rice for pasta in this recipe. Use about 2-3 cups of cooked rice for a delicious alternative.

4. How long does the casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the casserole will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works just as well in this recipe. You can also try ground chicken or even plant-based ground "meat" for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and loved by everyone at the dinner table. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with different ingredients and flavors based on what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

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