If you’re on the hunt for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dinner, this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together the comforting flavors of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked into a cozy dish packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a family gathering, this casserole is effortless to make and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. These simple, everyday ingredients come together in a way that makes the casserole both rich and comforting, while also giving it beautiful color and texture.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that brings juicy, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and moisture, brightening up the casserole.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness with minimal effort.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne): The hearty base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping): Melts into gooey goodness providing a rich, tangy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A subtle herb that lifts the savory notes and adds complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Helps brown the beef and soften the onions beautifully.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ground beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat properly not only seals in juices but also develops that rich, savory flavor key to this casserole. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until it’s fully cooked and beautifully browned.
Step 2: Sauté the onion and garlic
Next, toss the diced onion into the skillet with the cooked beef. Let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes, which will draw out its natural sweetness and add a delicate texture. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more—this brief step ensures the garlic releases its aromatic flavor without turning bitter.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas if you’re using them, the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors meld and the creamy soup evenly coats the pasta and beef.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible melted, bubbly finish that makes casseroles so addictive.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This step melts the cheese topping to golden perfection and ensures the dish is heated through. Keep an eye on it towards the end so the cheese doesn’t brown too much, unless you love that crispy edge.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This brief rest helps everything set up slightly, making it easier to scoop and even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh touch and a bit of vibrancy to your casserole, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavors beautifully and provide contrast to the creamy, cheesy interior.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a simple side of steamed broccoli. These fresh sides lighten the meal and add layers of texture that complement the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for single servings that look perfectly portioned. Or layer it in a trifle-style glass dish for a dinner party presentation that will impress your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole cools to room temperature, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing leftovers, portion into airtight containers, making reheating a breeze for future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway through to maintain that gooey, cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter substitute, though the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.
Is it okay to use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, fresh mushrooms sautéed until tender can add wonderful texture and flavor. You might want to replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade creamy sauce or a mix of cream and broth to maintain the casserole’s creamy consistency.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like lentils, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well and fit perfectly in a casserole dish. However, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—just make sure it’s cooked al dente before mixing into the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, carrots, or even spinach can be stirred in to boost nutrition and add wonderful color to your Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. Just consider the cooking time for each vegetable when adding them in.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a true comfort classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a final cheesy, bubbly bake make it perfect for any day of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s one of those dishes that once you make it, you’ll want to keep making it. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy mushroom soup base, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful baked casserole that’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas (if using), cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- Frozen peas are optional; you can substitute with other vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Use any short pasta shape you prefer, just be sure it’s cooked al dente before mixing.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
