Ground Beef Casserole – A Comforting, Hearty Meal for All Occasions
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor, this ground beef casserole is a must-try! My family loves this recipe, especially on chilly nights. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and hearty vegetables makes this casserole the perfect comfort food.
This dish is incredibly versatile—feel free to swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas (or any vegetable of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen peas, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the beef and pasta mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, cheese, and sour cream.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/6 of the Casserole)
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Ground Beef Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, peas, pasta, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, breadcrumbs |
| Instructions | Cook beef, onion, and garlic, add tomato sauce and veggies. Layer with pasta, cheese, and sour cream. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. |
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner version of this casserole. It will still be delicious!
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just place it in the oven as directed.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
