Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty, cheesy casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a golden blanket of melted cheese.

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate family dinner. This dish combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It is hearty, satisfying, and the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Whether you serve it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The seasoned beef and tomato sauce create a robust, savory base, while the pasta soaks up all that delicious flavor. The melted cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a gooey, golden crust that is impossible to resist. It is a complete meal in one dish, and it tastes even better the next day.

The Ingredients

- 2 pounds ground beef

- 12 ounces rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta

- 1 large onion, diced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce

- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

- Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

- Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper.

- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until it has thickened slightly.

- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until everything is well combined.

- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

- Serve hot with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Pro Tips and Variations

For extra flavor, add a cup of sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or sliced black olives to the sauce.

This recipe is highly adaptable. Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.

For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

For a creamier casserole, stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese with the pasta and sauce.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The casserole also freezes well for up to three months.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole provides approximately 600 to 750 calories. It contains roughly 35 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of fiber. The sodium content is around 1000 to 1300 milligrams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

Can I use a different pasta? Yes, rotini, penne, bowtie, or even macaroni all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this without canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or additional tomato sauce.

Why is my casserole watery? Watery casserole is usually the result of excess liquid from the tomatoes or undercooked pasta. Make sure the sauce is thick before combining with the pasta, and do not overcook the pasta.

What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully with this hearty casserole.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and satisfying meal that brings together classic comfort food ingredients in one easy-to-serve dish. The seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.