Ground Beef Casserole

The rich, savory aroma of a bubbling Ground Beef Casserole fresh from the oven is enough to make any weeknight feel special. This hearty, comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a perfectly golden cheese topping that creates an irresistible crust your family will fight over. The Ground Beef Casserole has been a staple on American dinner tables for generations, beloved for its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. You’ll learn how to create this delicious one-pan meal with simple ingredients, plus discover pro tips to elevate your casserole game to restaurant quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Casserole recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food nostalgia and practical weeknight cooking. The layers of flavors build throughout the cooking process – from the caramelized beef with its savory depth to the creamy sauce that binds everything together. You’ll appreciate the satisfying textural contrasts: the tender beef against the slight bite of vegetables, all crowned with that irresistibly crispy cheese topping that forms the perfect crust.

Beyond taste, this beef and pasta bake offers remarkable convenience. It’s a complete meal in one dish, eliminating the need for multiple side preparations. The ingredients are pantry staples most home cooks already have on hand, making this an ideal last-minute dinner solution. The recipe is also incredibly forgiving – it welcomes substitutions based on what you have available.

For busy families, this hearty beef casserole provides the ultimate time-saving benefit: excellent leftovers that often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s the kind of recipe that promises both immediate satisfaction and meal-planning peace of mind.

Ingredients

For this classic Ground Beef Casserole, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the best flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (a combination of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

The ground beef forms the protein foundation of this dish, while the combination of onions, garlic, and bell peppers creates the aromatic base. The tomato elements provide acidity and richness, while the cheese delivers that essential golden, bubbling top that makes this ground beef bake so irresistible.

Pro Tips

Master the Meat Browning: The key to developing deep flavor in your Ground Beef Casserole is properly browning the meat. Don’t stir the ground beef constantly – instead, place it in a hot pan and allow it to develop a caramelized crust before breaking it up. This creates those delicious browned bits (fond) that contribute significant flavor. Cook in batches if necessary, as overcrowding the pan creates steam instead of browning.

Layer Strategically for Texture Balance: Build your casserole in thoughtful layers to achieve the perfect texture throughout. Place slightly undercooked pasta at the bottom where it will absorb moisture and flavor from the meat mixture. Position vegetables in the middle layer where they’ll cook thoroughly without becoming mushy. Reserve about ⅓ of your cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for that perfect golden crust.

Rest Before Serving: Although it’s tempting to dive straight into your finished Ground Beef Casserole, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This critical step allows the sauce to thicken and be absorbed properly, preventing a soupy casserole and making it much easier to serve neat portions. The flavors will also continue to develop during this resting period.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate – it should be very al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it into large chunks. Let it develop a brown crust before breaking it up further with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4 minutes more. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This layering of flavors creates the aromatic base that makes your Ground Beef Casserole so delicious.

Step 4

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Let this mixture cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5

Spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and meat sauce, but reserve the remaining cheese for later.

Step 6

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy – these will be the most coveted portions of your Ground Beef Casserole!

Variations

Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Casserole: Transform this comfort food classic by swapping the Italian seasonings for 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and adding 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed). Replace the marinara with enchilada sauce and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. Top the finished beef taco casserole with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a south-of-the-border twist that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Veggie-Loaded Healthy Beef Casserole: For a more nutritious version, double the vegetables by adding 2 cups of riced cauliflower and 2 cups of chopped spinach to the meat mixture. These vegetables blend beautifully with the ground beef while adding fiber and nutrients. Use whole grain pasta instead of regular, and opt for a lighter sprinkle of reduced-fat cheese to create a balanced one-dish meal that doesn’t sacrifice the comfort food appeal of the original Ground Beef Casserole.

Creamy Mushroom Ground Beef Casserole: For a richer variation, replace the tomato sauce with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with ½ cup of sour cream. Increase the mushrooms to 12 oz, using a mix of button and cremini for deeper flavor. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan to the cheese mixture for a nutty depth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Storage and Serving

Your Ground Beef Casserole can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For best results, let it cool completely before transferring to storage containers. When reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over each portion before microwaving to maintain moisture, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through.

For freezing, divide the cooled casserole into portion-sized containers or wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil before placing in freezer bags. The casserole will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve your Ground Beef Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete comfort food experience, pair it with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for sopping up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a special touch, offer additional toppings like fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to allow each person to customize their portion.

FAQs

Can I make this Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

What’s the best type of ground beef to use?
An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for Ground Beef Casserole as it provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If using leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to maintain moisture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, any medium pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, or farfalle hold up nicely in casseroles. Just remember to cook it 2 minutes less than package directions for the perfect texture.

My casserole seems too watery. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the pasta wasn’t drained well or the vegetables released excess moisture. To fix a watery casserole, uncover it during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow more evaporation.

Can I make this Ground Beef Casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils or 16 oz of plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian (some contain anchovies).

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