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
Scale
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
