If comfort food had a greatest hits album, the Simple Ground Beef Casserole would absolutely make the list. This dish brings together the rich, savory flavors of seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and tangy tomato sauce, all cozied up with tender pasta and crowned with gooey melted cheddar. It’s as satisfying as it is simple, making weeknights feel cozy and special with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, your friends, or just want delicious leftovers in your fridge, this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how classic and approachable the ingredients are—most of these are kitchen staples, but when combined, they create irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you need and why each one matters in this Simple Ground Beef Casserole.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef: The hearty backbone of the dish, providing savory flavor and protein.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion caramelizes slightly, adding a gentle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the casserole a wonderful aroma and punch of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to ensure balanced taste.
- Italian seasoning: An herby blend that brightens up the meaty base and adds a whisper of Mediterranean flair.
- Tomato sauce: Delivers acidity and ties together the savory and creamy elements.
- Sour cream: Offers tang and luscious creaminess for that signature velvety bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for making the casserole extra smooth and comforting.
- Cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): The humble carb foundation that soaks up all the wonderful sauces and juices.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistibly gooey and flavorful.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a vibrant touch of freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Start by getting that oven heating up to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as you cook, until it’s browned and just beginning to crisp. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion softens and the kitchen starts to smell incredible. Season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting those herbs wake up and infuse the meat.
Step 2: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Once the aromatics are softened and the beef is fully browned, pour in the tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to each bite of beef and onion. This step is where the base of your Simple Ground Beef Casserole gets its comforting, saucy vibe.
Step 3: Prep the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended with no lumps, so you end up with a rich, creamy base that will coat the pasta and beef evenly. This creamy combo is what turns a meaty pasta bake into something truly crave-worthy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, the warm beef and tomato mixture, and the cream cheese-sour cream blend. Stir it all together until every piece of pasta is lavishly coated and there’s a bit of everything in every spoonful. This step ensures every bite of your Simple Ground Beef Casserole has perfect harmony.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and spoon the creamy, beefy pasta mixture in. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top—this is your golden, melty finale. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is gorgeously melted. If you like, scatter some chopped parsley over the top just before serving for freshness and color.
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is all it takes to make the Simple Ground Beef Casserole look extra inviting, but you can also try chives, a pinch of crushed red pepper, or even a little grated parmesan for a fancier finish. The freshness of herbs contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy bake and brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty main, but serves delightfully with sides that bring crunch and freshness to the table. Think a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, some buttered green beans, or a pile of steamed broccoli. For an extra-cozy meal, warm, crusty bread or garlic toast works wonders to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Simple Ground Beef Casserole dinner pop, consider baking in ramekins for personal-sized portions, or serving it family-style in a beautiful big dish with plenty of extra fresh herbs on top. For a fun twist, stuff leftovers into bell peppers and bake until warmed through, turning your casserole into a brand-new meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your casserole cool before packing it into airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks. The flavors only deepen as it sits, so you might even enjoy it more the second time around.
Freezing
Simple Ground Beef Casserole freezes like a dream. Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed—easy and ready for whenever you need a homemade dinner without the fuss.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until steamy, or rewarm larger portions in a low oven (around 325°F) covered with foil to keep the cheese nice and melty and the casserole from drying out. If you find it a little thick during reheating, splash in a tablespoon or two of milk.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! This casserole is super flexible. Try it with ground turkey for a lighter version, or a plant-based meat alternative if you want a vegetarian twist. The sauce and cheese are so flavorful, any protein you like will work well.
What type Main Course
Short, sturdy shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini are ideal, since they hold sauce beautifully and mix easily with the beef. You can also use penne or shells if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to cook your pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
Can I add vegetables to Simple Ground Beef Casserole?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers are delicious add-ins for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic, or stir them in with the pasta and sauce just before baking.
Is it okay to assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a fantastic way to get ahead for busy days or make entertaining a breeze.
Can I make it gluten-free?
You sure can. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your tomato sauce and seasonings to make sure they’re gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should fit right into a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole isn’t just a weeknight lifesaver; it’s a meal full of warmth and nostalgia, guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. If you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delicious, I hope this recipe earns a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try—your future self (and your family!) will thank you.
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Tender ground beef, savory seasonings, creamy cheeses, and pasta come together in this satisfying bake.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef, cook until browned. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can make this ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
- Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
