If you’re craving pure comfort but need a weeknight meal that’s as easy as it is crowd-pleasing, this Simple Ground Beef Casserole will quickly earn a place in your regular dinner rotation. Imagine tender pasta tossed with savory ground beef, simmered tomato sauce, and just the right touch of Italian herbs—all crowned with a lush, golden layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that’s rich in flavor, hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest family member, and wonderfully easy to customize. This is the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Simple Ground Beef Casserole truly shine is how accessible yet impactful each ingredient is. Every component brings something special to the mix—from depth of flavor to irresistible cheesiness and satisfying texture.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean beef for rich flavor without excess grease, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken to suit your preference.
- Yellow Onion: A small diced onion adds tantalizing sweetness and depth to balance the savory beef.
- Garlic: Minced fresh cloves infuse the casserole with that signature cozy aroma.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a silky, robust base that ties the entire casserole together.
- Diced Tomatoes: Drained to avoid extra liquid, these give pops of juicy freshness in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon brings the aromatic notes of herbs that make the casserole taste homemade.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into harmony—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: Adds the perfect mild heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Cooked Pasta: Rotini or elbow macaroni catch the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your family’s favorite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts into a golden, slightly tangy topping.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that unmistakable cheesy pull and mellow flavor in every forkful.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a splash of color and a fresh finish—perfect if you want to dress it up a little.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess grease—this keeps your Simple Ground Beef Casserole rich but not heavy, letting the other flavors shine through.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic straight into the skillet. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent—the delightful aroma lets you know the magic has begun!
Step 3: Add Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then let this fragrant mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the flavors to meld and develop that classic casserole richness.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in your cooked pasta. The noodles will soak up that delicious saucy beef mixture, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor—part of why this Simple Ground Beef Casserole is such a delicious all-in-one meal.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the beef and pasta mixture. Smooth it out so you have an even layer, then cover the top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The cheeses will melt together into bubbly, golden perfection in the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes out of the oven—this helps everything set and makes serving so much easier. A scatter of fresh parsley on top is the final flourish if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes
For a pop of color and a bit of freshness, sprinkle the finished Simple Ground Beef Casserole with chopped fresh parsley right before serving. Want to experiment? A few thinly sliced green onions or even a dusting of grated Parmesan can elevate it in seconds.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter next to a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for dunking. Steamed broccoli or green beans are quick, wholesome additions that pair beautifully with the cheesy, tomato-rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to serve this Simple Ground Beef Casserole at a gathering, consider baking it in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch. You can also spoon leftovers into bell pepper halves, top with a little extra cheese, and give them a quick bake for a playful twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool slightly, then cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—this Simple Ground Beef Casserole reheats surprisingly well and makes satisfying next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap plus foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or pop the whole casserole into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 to 25 minutes. If needed, sprinkle on a little extra cheese halfway through to revive that gooey topping!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, elbow macaroni, penne, or even shells all work beautifully, so use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it until al dente before adding it to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
What vegetables can I sneak in?
Chopped bell peppers, baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are all easy additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for best results—they blend right in and add extra nutrition.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the Simple Ground Beef Casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the ultimate flavor and melt, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a little pepper jack if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll make this Simple Ground Beef Casserole a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s a dish packed with comfort, flavor, and flexibility—and most importantly, it’s guaranteed to bring everyone happily to the table. Give it a try and let your family’s smiles say the rest!
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting dish, this Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheeses come together in a flavorful tomato sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Add Pasta: Remove from heat, stir in cooked pasta.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Add bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg