This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Made with hearty ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd, making it an ideal dinner option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. 

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Comforting. A dish of ground beef casserole is the pinnacle of home-cooked warmth. Delicious and comforting, this dish is ideal for cold nights or whenever you have a hankering for something hearty and filling.
• Easy To Make. Because of how simple it is to prepare, this casserole is perfect for nights when you don’t have much time to cook. You can have a healthy and filling meal ready in no time with just a few basic ingredients and a minimum of effort.
• Versatile. Your personal preferences can easily be incorporated into this recipe. You can modify this dish in countless ways, from changing up the cheese and vegetables to switching out the ground beef for another protein.

Ingredients For Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef. This casserole’s main attraction is ground beef. In addition to being the dish’s primary protein source, it also imparts a rich, savory meatiness.
• Onion. The casserole’s onion topping is both sweet and savory. It’s a nice touch that cuts through the fattiness of the beef and cheese.
• Garlic. The garlic makes the casserole very flavorful and aromatic. In addition to helping the immune system, it also decreases inflammation.
• Tomato Sauce. The casserole gets its tangy, slightly sweet taste from the tomato sauce. It also adds moisture and acts as a binder, so it’s a win-win.
• Diced Tomatoes. Chopped tomatoes give the casserole a burst of bright, juicy flavor. They also contribute to the overall moistness and body of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning. The Italian seasoning, a mixture of herbs and spices, gives the casserole a wonderful aroma and flavor. Some common herbs in this mixture are basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Salt And Pepper. The ground beef and the flavor of the casserole would be bland without the addition of salt and pepper.
• Elbow Macaroni. A classic pasta shape that works well in casseroles is elbow macaroni. It gives the dish a warm, familiar texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese. The casserole gets a savory boost of cheesy flavor from the shredded cheddar cheese. It also creates a melty consistency that works well in casseroles.

How Can I Make My Ground Beef Casserole More Flavorful?

You can boost the flavor of your ground beef casserole by adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The recipe would also benefit from a can of diced tomatoes or a jar of tomato sauce. To boost the flavor of your casserole, try topping it with additional cheese or a combination of cheeses.

Can I Add Beans Or Legumes To This Ground Beef Casserole?

Including beans or legumes in your ground beef casserole is a great way to increase its nutritional value and depth of flavor. Black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are all excellent choices. Lentils and split peas are other options for adding protein and fiber. Simply modify the amount of salt and cooking time to taste.

How Do I Prevent This Ground Beef Casserole From Becoming Dry?

Make sure there is enough sauce or liquid in the recipe to keep the ground beef casserole from becoming dry. Peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are all vegetables that will add moisture to the dish as they cook. When baking a casserole, covering the dish with foil can help retain moisture and keep the dish from drying out.

Can I Use Different Types Of Cheese In Ground Beef Casserole?

Using a variety of cheeses in your ground beef casserole is a great way to change up the flavor and texture. Cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan are fantastic choices. A cheese blend, such as an Italian or Mexican blend, is another option. As different cheeses melt at different temperatures and times, you’ll need to take that into account when cooking.

Cooking Instructions For Ground Beef Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
• Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove all excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the ground beef in the skillet. Cook for approximately four minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Incorporate the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the pasta. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Drain and reserve.
• Combine the cooked ground beef mixture and cooked elbow macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine ingredients.
• Transfer the mixture of ground beef and macaroni to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the cheddar cheese shreds evenly across the top.
• Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Before serving, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy!

Side Dish Suggestions

• Garlic Roasted Vegetables. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes are delicious when roasted and served as a side dish with Ground Beef Casserole. Roasting vegetables brings out their inherent sweetness and adds a richness of flavor thanks to the caramelization process. The addition of garlic enhances the flavor of the beef and cheese.
• Creamed Spinach. The beef casserole’s heartiness is complemented by the creaminess of the creamed spinach. Spinach’s creamy texture goes well with the tomato sauce and cheese, and its slight bitterness cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad. Any casserole would benefit from having a simple Caesar salad as a side. The tart dressing brightens the dish with acidity, and the crunchy lettuce is a welcome textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread. Ground Beef Casserole, like any Italian-inspired casserole, is enhanced by the addition of garlic bread as a traditional side dish. To balance out the sweetness of the tomato sauce and the saltiness of the cheese, garlicky, herb-studded bread is used.
• Baked Beans. The ground beef casserole is complemented by the heartiness of baked beans. The beans’ creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the chewiness of the beef, and their sweet and savory flavors complement the richness of the casserole.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican-Style Ground Beef Casserole. Spruce up your casserole with some Mexican spices and ingredients. Toss in some corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Shredded cheese should be sprinkled on top, and sour cream and tortilla chips should be served on the side.
• Italian-Style Ground Beef Casserole. Add some Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to your casserole for a unique Italian flavor. Add texture and nutrition by layering in sliced zucchini and eggplant. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, topping with mozzarella cheese.
• Shepherd’S Pie-Style Ground Beef Casserole. Substitute mashed potatoes for the cheese to transform your casserole into a hearty Shepherd’s Pie. You can make this dish by layering the ground beef mixture in a casserole dish and then topping it with mashed potatoes before baking.
• Low-Carb Ground Beef Casserole. You can still enjoy a tasty casserole while limiting your carb intake. You can easily substitute zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for the pasta. You can make this low-carb and keto-friendly by layering the noodles with the ground beef mixture and then topping it with a blend of shredded cheese and Parmesan.
• Paleo-Style Ground Beef Casserole. If you’re on a paleo diet, you can make a delicious casserole by substituting sautéed vegetables for the traditional pasta and cheese. Ground turkey or chicken is another good alternative to ground beef if you’re watching your weight. Add a slice of avocado and some chopped herbs for a healthy and refreshing topping.

The Best Way To Store This Recipe

• In The Fridge. The ground beef casserole can be stored in the refrigerator if it is allowed to cool to room temperature before being covered with a lid or plastic wrap. It has a four-day shelf life in the fridge.
• In The Freezer. The ground beef casserole can be frozen after it has cooled to room temperature and been wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Before storing it in the freezer, make sure to date and label the container. It has a three-month shelf life in the freezer.
• Reheat. To reheat the ground beef casserole, set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), take the casserole out of the fridge, and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Wrap it in foil and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. Alternatively, you can microwave separate servings for two to three minutes, or until hot.

Try More Recipes:

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• Pioneer Woman Tater Tot Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Cowboy Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 350
• Total Fat 18g
• Saturated Fat 7.8g
• Trans Fat 0.6g
• Cholesterol 66mg
• Sodium 643mg
• Potassium 739.7mg
• Total Carbohydrate 24g
• Dietary Fiber 2.4g
• Sugars 1.8g
• Protein 22g
• Calcium 16%
• Iron 13%
• Vitamin D 3%