Looking for an easy, comforting meal to feed your family on a busy night? This Ground Beef Casserole is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to suit various tastes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a potluck, this casserole has you covered. Stick around to discover how to make this delicious Ground Beef Casserole step by step!
What Is Ground Beef Casserole?
Ground beef casserole is a baked dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta or rice, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, all topped with cheese or crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers. This dish can be customized in countless ways, making it a versatile go-to recipe for busy families. The creamy, cheesy sauce mixed with savory ground beef and tender pasta creates a combination that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make a tasty and satisfying Ground Beef Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for mixing with the topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily adjust it to fit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
- Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you’re looking for a lighter option. You can also mix beef with sausage for extra flavor.
- Pasta: While egg noodles are a popular choice, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work well.
- Vegetables: Add extra nutrition by incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or green beans. Frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots also make a great addition.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a little kick.
- Topping: If you prefer a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter for a golden crust. You can even top it with crushed potato chips for added crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Ground Beef Casserole, step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles (or pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When the beef is halfway browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the sauce and stir to combine. Then, fold in the cooked noodles and the frozen vegetables (if using) until everything is well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you want a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle that over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
To make sure your Ground Beef Casserole comes out perfectly, let’s review the basic steps in this easy-to-follow guide:
- Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it doesn’t get too soft during baking.
- Brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic for a base full of savory flavors.
- Mix the creamy sauce by combining tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk for a rich, tangy sauce.
- Combine all the ingredients in a baking dish, folding everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs or crackers for a crispy, cheesy finish.
- Bake and enjoy once the casserole is golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple dish like Ground Beef Casserole, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure your noodles are cooked to al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Underseasoning the beef: Ground beef can be bland without proper seasoning, so don’t forget to season it generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Too much liquid: Avoid adding extra liquid to the sauce. The soups, sour cream, and milk provide plenty of moisture for the casserole, and adding more can make the dish too watery.
- Skipping the topping: Don’t skip the cheesy or crunchy topping—it adds texture and flavor that takes the casserole to the next level.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty dish that can easily stand alone, but if you want to elevate the meal, here are a few serving and presentation ideas:
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pair with garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish the top of your casserole with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve in individual portions: Scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or dishes for a more elegant presentation.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
This Ground Beef Casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger dinner or potluck, consider pairing it with:
- Vegetable sides: Steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans.
- Salads: A light Caesar salad, coleslaw, or a simple mixed greens salad.
- Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread, French baguette, or dinner rolls.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole
While casseroles are often considered comfort food rather than a gourmet dish, there are still ways to make your Ground Beef Casserole look extra appealing:
- Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives can add color and make the casserole look fresher and more inviting.
- Use a pretty baking dish: A beautiful ceramic or glass baking dish can make your casserole look more attractive right out of the oven.
- Serve in smaller dishes: Bake the casserole in smaller, individual dishes for personalized servings and a more elegant presentation.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Ground Beef Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal prep option.
- Freeze for later: Ground Beef Casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Boost flavor with seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more herbs and spices to suit your taste. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef Casserole?
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool, then wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake when ready.
Q: Can I use something other than pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute pasta with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?
A: Make sure to include enough creamy ingredients (like sour cream and soups) and don’t overbake the casserole. Cover it with foil during baking if it looks like it’s drying out.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, with endless possibilities for customization. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twists, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
PrintGround Beef Casserole Recipe
This ground beef casserole recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, combining seasoned beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner, this casserole is packed with protein and flavor, perfect for feeding the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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