Ground Beef Casserole Recipe – A Family Favorite

Ground beef casserole is one of those classic comfort foods that never go out of style.

It’s warm, filling, and perfect for family dinners or even meal prep.

With layers of beef, pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is both delicious and easy to make.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert cook to make it.

With just a few steps and some simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.

In this article, we’ll go step by step through the whole process, from preparing the ingredients to baking the casserole and serving it.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather everything on this list.

Having all your ingredients ready will make the cooking process smoother.

• Ground beef – 1 pound
• Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Tomato sauce – 2 cups
• Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14 ounces)
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini) – 12 ounces (uncooked)
• Sour cream – 1 cup
• Cream cheese – 4 ounces (softened)
• Cheddar cheese – 2 cups (shredded)
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (shredded)
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)

Optional:

• Bell peppers – 1 cup (diced, for added crunch)
• Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (for a little heat)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

The base of this casserole is pasta, which helps make the dish hearty and filling.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.

Add your pasta of choice—elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini all work well.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions but stop just short of fully cooking it.

This is called “al dente,” which means the pasta is slightly firm.

Since the pasta will cook again in the oven, keeping it slightly undercooked ensures it doesn’t get mushy later.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef

The star of this casserole is, of course, the ground beef.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly golden.

Then add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.

Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it turns brown and no pink remains.

This usually takes about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it carefully.

Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

Now it’s time to bring the beef and sauce together.

Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef.

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

This helps the flavors blend and thickens the sauce slightly.

If you want extra flavor, add diced bell peppers at this stage.

They add sweetness and a little crunch. For a spicy twist, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Preparing the Creamy Layer

What makes this ground beef casserole extra special is the creamy layer in the middle.

It balances the savory beef and tangy tomato sauce with smoothness.

In a medium bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese together until smooth.

You can use a hand mixer for an extra creamy texture, but a spoon will also work if the cream cheese is soft enough.

This creamy layer will go between the pasta and beef, adding richness to every bite.

Step 5: Assembling the Casserole

Now comes the fun part—layering everything together before it goes in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
3. Spread half of the cooked pasta on the bottom.
4. Spoon the creamy mixture (sour cream and cream cheese) evenly over the pasta.
5. Add half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture on top.
6. Sprinkle with a handful of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.

Finish with a generous topping of cheddar and mozzarella so the casserole bakes with a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 6: Baking and Serving

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

The cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top, and the sauce bubbling around the edges.

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta. Remember, it will cook again in the oven.

Drain the beef well. Too much grease can make the casserole heavy.

Cheese variety. Try mixing in Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a twist.

Meal prep friendly. Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.

Bake it fresh when you’re ready.

Freezer option. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.

Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why Families Love Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is popular because it combines everything people love in one dish: meat, pasta, cheese, and a creamy layer.

It’s filling, affordable, and uses pantry staples you probably already have.

It’s also versatile.

You can add vegetables, change the type of cheese, or even swap pasta for rice.

The recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd, making it great for family gatherings or potlucks.

Another reason families love it is how easy it is to reheat.

Leftovers taste just as good, sometimes even better, the next day.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef casserole is more than just a recipe—

it’s a comforting dish that brings people together around the table.

It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet hearty enough for a weekend dinner.

With layers of pasta, flavorful beef, creamy filling, and melted cheese, this casserole is the definition of comfort food.

Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a casserole that will make everyone ask for seconds.