Ground Beef Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like a warm, hearty casserole — especially when it’s made with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and pasta or potatoes. Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Best of all, it's easy to customize and comes together with minimal fuss.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step method for making a classic Ground Beef Casserole — one that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying from the very first bite.

⭐ What Is Ground Beef Casserole?

Ground Beef Casserole is a baked dish that typically includes layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta or potatoes, a tomato or cream-based sauce, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it an easy and complete one-dish meal.

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic but delicious version of Ground Beef Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for good flavor)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with sour cream)

  • ½ cup sour cream (optional for added creaminess)

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or egg noodles work great)

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

✅ Tip: Cook the pasta just until al dente — it will continue cooking in the oven later.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown (about 5–6 minutes). Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Add the diced onions and cook another 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft, stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the cream of mushroom soup. If using, add the sour cream at this stage to make the mixture extra creamy. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

🔥 Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop.

🧑‍🍳 Variations and Tips

  • Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.

  • Swap the Pasta: Use tater tots, mashed potatoes, or rice instead of pasta for a twist.

  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.

  • Make It Ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

🥡 Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

🥄 Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s warm, filling, and endlessly adaptable to what you have in your pantry or fridge. Whether you stick with the classic version or make it your own with bold flavors and add-ins, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

So grab your casserole dish — dinner’s about to get delicious.