Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines savory ground beef, vegetables,
pasta (or potatoes), and creamy cheese in one hearty bake. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you
need a satisfying dish that feeds a crowd. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this
casserole will quickly become a staple at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and frozen vegetables into the beef mixture. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Pour mixture into the casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and flavorful.
Every bite blends tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and melted cheese into a wholesome dish.
It’s easy to adapt with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses, making it a versatile recipe for any taste.
Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (add 15–20 extra minutes).
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella for gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Low-carb option: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Boost flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for extra depth.
Correction
If your casserole turns out too dry, you may have overbaked it or not added enough sauce.
Next time, increase the tomato sauce slightly or cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking.
Enjoy
Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
This casserole is sure to bring smiles to your table—enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!