Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

 

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole fresh out of the oven. The rich aroma of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and savory sauce fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. Ground beef casseroles have long been a staple in family kitchens because they are simple, affordable, filling, and incredibly satisfying. They combine humble ingredients into something truly special.

This Hearty Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. The tender ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, then layered with pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and full of savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home.

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, different cheeses, or even spice it up with chili flakes. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish, which means you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready. Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or just yourself, this ground beef casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 250 g (8 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the ground beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add seasoning and sauce

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and sour cream to the beef mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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Tips

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Use spicy sausage instead of beef for a different taste.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Conclusion

This Hearty Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort that brings everyone back for seconds.

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