Savory Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Quick Family Meals

Looking for an easy, filling meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy? This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is a life-saver on busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving comfort food that’s simple to make but packed with flavor. With a savory combination of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, this dish brings together everything you love about a classic casserole — and it’s easy enough for anyone to whip up. It’s the ultimate solution for feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen.

My favorite part? It’s versatile, quick, and you can even make it ahead of time. It’s one of those make-ahead dinner recipes that will surely become a family favorite. You can prep the casserole in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you're ready to serve. Simple, delicious, and always a hit.

Let’s dive in and discover how to create this hearty ground beef casserole that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole?

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients 

• • 1 lb. uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the casserole and melt the cheese just right.

2. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Use a meat chopper or spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. 

4. Sauté everything together for about 10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.

5. Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Cover and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. The result is a deliciously savory mixture that will coat the pasta perfectly.

7. While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.

8. In a baking dish, add the drained pasta and then pour the beef mixture over it.

9. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. This is the stage where you can get creative and add extra ingredients if you like, such as sautéed vegetables or a sprinkle of herbs.

10. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

11. Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling around the edges.

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions, serve, and enjoy the savory goodness of your homemade ground beef casserole.

Tips and Variations for the Best Ground Beef Casserole

• While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to mix things up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• For added nutrition, you can stir in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the beef mixture. This will make the casserole even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
• If you’re looking for a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives will still provide a great base while reducing the fat content.
• Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to give your casserole a kick of heat.

Health Benefits of Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef is not only delicious but also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, and is an excellent source of iron and zinc. For those who are concerned about the fat content, using lean ground beef can help reduce overall fat while still delivering the satisfying flavors and protein your body needs.

Did you know? Ground beef is one of the most versatile and nutrient-dense meats available. For a more detailed look into the health benefits and nutritional value of ground beef, check out the article "How Much Protein Is In a Pound of Ground Beef?" from our friends at Carnivore Style. They explore the nutritional benefits in greater detail, so if you're a meat lover, you won't want to miss it!

Make Your Savory Ground Beef Casserole Today!

This ground beef casserole is a comfort food, perfect for feeding your family after a long day or for a quick weeknight dinner. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and filling nature, it checks all the boxes for a great family meal. Plus, it's super customizable depending on your preferences, whether you like it extra cheesy or with a spicy kick.

The warm, cheesy, and savory combination of beef, pasta, and tomato sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try next time you need a quick, hearty dinner, and let us know what you think!

Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

• Meat Chopper: This handy tool will make breaking up ground beef easy and efficient.
• 9x13 Baking Dish: Perfect for baking casseroles and other large meals.
• Garlic Press: If you want perfectly minced garlic every time, a garlic press is a must-have!
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the beef mixture without scratching your pots and pans.

If you don’t have these essential kitchen tools yet, head over to our Zulay Kitchen website to grab your new favorites today!

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Share this recipe with your friends across all social media platforms! Don’t forget to tag @zulay_kitchen and use the hashtag #kitchenhappiness when you try this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! This casserole can be prepared up to a day ahead. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, but you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this ground beef casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to slightly undercook it, so it doesn’t get too soft during baking.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, try adding a diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a spicy tomato sauce. You can also sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! This casserole is great for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also easy to reheat, making it perfect for lunch the next day.

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or a side of sautéed spinach for added nutrition.