Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

When life gets busy and you need a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love, nothing beats a classic ground beef casserole. This simple yet delicious dish combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese into one comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly flavorful.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions, this ground beef casserole delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Read on to discover how to create this crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

What is “Simple Ground Beef Casserole”?

Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a classic American comfort food that brings together ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and cheese in one convenient baking dish. This hearty one-pot meal is designed to feed a family while requiring minimal preparation and cleanup.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and simplicity. Unlike complicated dishes that require multiple cooking techniques, this recipe uses straightforward methods that even beginner cooks can master. The result is a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s packed with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one satisfying bite.

This dish gained popularity in the 1950s as a practical solution for busy families, and it remains just as relevant today. It’s the perfect answer when you want homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Simple Ground Beef Casserole

12 oz egg noodles or elbow pasta
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup frozen green beans, thawed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Cook Simple Ground Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious ground beef casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pasta:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Remember to salt your pasta water generously for better flavor absorption.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes).
Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving just a small amount for flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Season and Add Sauce:

Sprinkle the meat and vegetable mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and green beans.
Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

5. Combine with Pasta and Cheese:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked pasta.
Add the sour cream and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

6. Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.

7. Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this ground beef casserole lies in its adaptability. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Meat Alternatives: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. For a leaner option, use 93/7 ground beef.
Pasta Options: Substitute egg noodles with penne, rotini, or rice for variety. Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar for different flavor combinations.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and nutritional value.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese for heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your ground beef casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta only until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
Not Draining Vegetables: Always drain canned tomatoes and thaw frozen vegetables to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Skipping the Rest Period: Let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to set properly and make serving easier.
Using Too Much Liquid: Excess liquid will make your casserole watery. Drain ingredients properly and don’t add extra sauce.
Forgetting to Season: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings. Under-seasoned casseroles are bland and disappointing.

How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole

This hearty casserole works wonderfully as a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. Serve generous portions alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make excellent accompaniments for soaking up any extra sauce. For added nutrition, consider steaming some broccoli or roasting asparagus as a colorful side vegetable.

A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with lime provides a refreshing contrast to this comforting dish. For special occasions, a light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the beef beautifully.

Presentation Ideas for Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Transform your simple casserole into an attractive presentation with these easy ideas:

Individual Portions: Divide the mixture among individual ramekins for elegant single servings that are perfect for dinner parties.
Garnish Appeal: Top with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a restaurant-quality appearance.
Colorful Contrast: Serve on white plates to make the golden-brown casserole pop visually.
Side Arrangement: Arrange colorful vegetables or a small salad alongside each portion for an appealing plate composition.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

These expert tips will help you achieve the best results every time you make this casserole:

Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest vegetables and good-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) provides the ideal balance of flavor and fat content.
Season in Layers: Season the beef while browning, then taste and adjust the final mixture before baking. This ensures well-distributed flavor throughout.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Properly browning the ground beef creates depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t rush this step.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Freezer Preparation: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Store Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Proper storage ensures your leftover casserole remains delicious and safe to eat. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing (within 2 hours of cooking). Transfer to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes for refrigerated portions).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

Q: Can I freeze this ground beef casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, thaw and reheat in the oven.

Q: What can I substitute for sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt, cream cheese (softened), or heavy cream work well as substitutes. Each will provide a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Definitely! Penne, rotini, shells, or even rice work well. Just ensure whatever you choose can hold the sauce and other ingredients effectively.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese amount, add more vegetables, and substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Q: My casserole seems dry. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens when pasta is overcooked initially or when there isn’t enough sauce. Reserve some pasta cooking water to add moisture if needed, and ensure you have adequate sauce coverage.

Conclusion

Simple Ground Beef Casserole represents everything we love about comfort food – it’s hearty, satisfying, and brings families together around the dinner table. This versatile recipe proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, preparing meals for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for potluck gatherings, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Remember that the best part about this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to make it your own. With proper storage techniques, you can even enjoy this delicious casserole throughout the week or save portions for later.

I encourage you to try this recipe and experience firsthand why ground beef casserole has remained a beloved family favorite for decades. Happy cooking, and enjoy creating memories around this wonderful, comforting dish!