This ground beef casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a family dinner. Combining savory ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, it's topped with melted cheddar cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. It's easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up a can of tomato sauce and a can of diced tomatoes if you don't already have them at home. These items are usually found in the canned goods aisle of your supermarket.

Ingredients For Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ground beef: Provides the main protein and a rich, savory flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich and tangy base for the casserole.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of tomato flavor.
Cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a gooey, cheesy finish.
Pasta: Provides a hearty base that complements the beef and sauce.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This will help the meat absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic more effectively. Additionally, draining the excess fat after browning prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy, allowing the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to meld beautifully with the beef mixture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based alternative with a hearty texture and are rich in protein and fiber.
chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a more delicate and sweet flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, offering convenience and a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor along with their own unique taste.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and rich tomato flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a seasoned tomato sauce that can add additional flavor to the casserole.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be diced and used to provide a fresher taste and texture.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and offers a mild, creamy flavor.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese has a similar melting quality and a mild, buttery flavor.
cooked pasta - Substitute with cooked quinoa: Quinoa is a gluten-free alternative that provides a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
cooked pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles offer a low-carb, vegetable-based alternative that can add a fresh taste.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Casserole
How to Store or Freeze This Casserole
- Allow the ground beef casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Divide the casserole into individual portions if you plan to reheat smaller servings. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal without reheating the entire dish.
- Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to store the casserole. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.
- Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a better option.
- For freezing, place the airtight containers or bags in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing much of its quality.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the pasta and ground beef.
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheddar cheese from over-browning.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Enjoy your reheated ground beef casserole with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ground beef casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals if necessary, until hot.
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover casserole in a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is warmed through.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method can help retain a crispy texture on top.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, place the leftover casserole in a slow cooker. Set to low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, or until thoroughly heated. This method is great for maintaining moisture and flavor.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned and translucent.
Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks in the skillet.
Cutting board: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic efficiently.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Saucepan: Used to cook the pasta until it is tender.
Colander: Helpful for draining the cooked pasta.
Baking dish: The vessel in which the pasta and beef mixture is combined and baked.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Mixing spoon: Used to combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture in the baking dish.
Grater: If you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the casserole.
Use pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-chopped onions or chop them in bulk and freeze. This reduces prep time significantly.
Minced garlic in a jar: Use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh. It’s a quick and convenient alternative.
Shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it yourself.
One-pot cooking: Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic in the same skillet to minimize cleanup.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture. Mix well.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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