Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that will leave your family begging for seconds? The Supreme Layered Beef Casserole is a classic dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with savory layers of ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and creamy cheese, this recipe combines the best of comfort food in one dish. If you're a fan of mouth-watering casseroles, then keep reading to learn how to make this delicious meal from scratch. It's not only simple but customizable to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!
What Is a Supreme Layered Beef Casserole?
The Supreme Layered Beef Casserole is a rich, baked dish consisting of multiple layers of seasoned ground beef, noodles or rice, vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, all coming together in a harmonious blend of flavors. The layers give the casserole depth, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Not only is this casserole hearty and filling, but it’s also a perfect make-ahead meal for the week, making it a go-to recipe for busy families.
Ingredients List for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole
Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you'll need for this amazing casserole. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your family size or appetite!
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta Layer:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, ziti, or macaroni work best)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1 egg (to bind the ricotta or cottage cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetable Layer:
- 1 cup frozen or fresh spinach (you can also use kale or another green)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced thinly
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
Toppings (Optional):
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Supreme Layered Beef Casserole lies in its flexibility. Here are some substitutions and variations to cater to different tastes or dietary needs:
- Ground Beef Substitutes: If you're looking to make the dish leaner, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Don’t like zucchini or spinach? No problem! Substitute with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or even peas.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic options, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even feta cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to cut down on carbs.
- Spicy Version: Add some heat to your casserole by incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating a perfect casserole involves layering each component properly to ensure an even balance of flavors. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare your Supreme Layered Beef Casserole.
1. Prepare the Beef Layer
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat, then stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, so the flavors meld together.
2. Prepare the Pasta Layer
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Mix the cooked pasta with marinara or tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. This adds a nice base layer with tons of flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This mixture will help bind the layers together.
- Combine shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese in another bowl. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Vegetable Layer
- If using fresh spinach, lightly sauté it in a small amount of olive oil until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained.
- Thinly slice the zucchini and dice the bell peppers. These veggies will add texture and nutrition to your casserole.
How to Cook Supreme Layered Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all your ingredients prepared, it's time to assemble the casserole!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- First Layer (Pasta): Spread the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Second Layer (Beef): Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the pasta, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Third Layer (Vegetables): Add the spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers evenly across the beef layer. Sprinkle corn and mushrooms on top if using.
- Fourth Layer (Ricotta Mixture): Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the vegetables and gently spread it across the casserole.
- Fifth Layer (Shredded Cheese): Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses on top.
Step 3: Optional Topping
- If you want a crispy, golden top, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef can result in a greasy casserole.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.
- Layering Without Spreading: Make sure each layer is evenly spread out to avoid uneven cooking or clumps of one ingredient in certain sections.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Supreme Layered Beef Casserole
- This casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables. Serve it hot with a side of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Supreme Layered Beef Casserole
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.
- Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation.
Supreme Layered Beef Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing Tip: This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply freeze the uncooked assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey are great substitutes and will create a lighter version of this casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat crumbles.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles for a lower-carb, gluten-free option.
Conclusion
The Supreme Layered Beef Casserole is the perfect recipe for those who love comfort food with a twist. This versatile and delicious dish can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or something special for your next potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to enjoy this supreme casserole that will have everyone asking for more!
PrintSupreme Layered Beef Casserole Recipe
This Supreme Layered Beef Casserole recipe is a hearty meal featuring seasoned beef, noodles, and layers of creamy cheese. A comforting casserole with flavors that are sure to please the whole family. It's an easy-to-make dish with simple ingredients, ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Pasta
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, then brown the ground beef.
- Stir in tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream.
- Layer cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, add herbs like basil or oregano.
You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
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