There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of ground beef cooking in a hot skillet, with the aroma wafting through the kitchen. This Simple Ground Beef Casserole warms your heart and fills your home with cozy vibes. It’s a dish that everyone loves, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort without the fuss.
This casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and cheesy goodness, all baked together like a warm embrace. It’s like your grandma’s classic casserole, but done in just 30 minutes! Plus, it uses common pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up when time is tight. A true family favorite that bubbles with flavor from the oven.
I started making this casserole back in 2015 when my kids were little and always hungry after school. One afternoon, my eldest took a bite and gave me the biggest grinno words, just pure delight! The lesson here? A sprinkle of cheese on top can turn an ordinary meal into something magical. After years of trying recipes, this one remains a go-to in our home, and I know your family will fall in love with it too!
Thomas Baker
Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this recipe is a great example of Easy Beef Rice Casserole Cheesy and includes elements of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Veggies and Ground Beef Rice Casserole Creamy. For a rustic twist, it shares comforting qualities with Cowboy Ground Beef Casserole Tots.
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 10 minutes, ensuring it remains slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for around 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Stir in the minced garlic partway through cooking. Remove some excess fat if necessary.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and heat through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as preferred.
Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef sauce over the pasta and gently mix until evenly combined.
Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. For extra cheesiness, mix in an additional half cup of cheese before topping.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly. Optionally, switch to the broiler for a few minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Serve hot.
Notes
This casserole is very adaptable: feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit your taste. For more tips and variations, check the blog post or find this recipe in chapter 6 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Cozy Comfort: This casserole is like a warm hug on a plateperfect for family dinners or chilly evenings.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Family Favorite: With cheesy goodness and hearty beef, it’s a sure hit for even the pickiest eaters!
Flexibility: Use whatever you have on hand and customize according to your family’s tastes.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of this Simple Ground Beef Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Penne: A pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully, giving every bite a comforting feel.
Lean Ground Beef: The star of our show, bringing protein and richness.
Marinara Sauce: This adds a delightful Italian flair and moisture to our casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty and gooey, cheese makes everything betterfeel free to add more for extra creaminess!
Onion & Garlic: Flavor enhancers that add depth to the dishdon’t skip them!
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dishthis will help with clean-up later!
Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne and cook it until slightly underdoneabout 10 minutes.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the beef with chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add minced garlic to the beef mixturelet those flavors mingle for a minute.
Stir in the marinara sauce and warm it through before adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
Drain the penne and combine it with the beef mixture in the baking dish, then sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get that glorious golden brown cheese top!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Dry? If your casserole seems dry, stir in a bit more marinara sauce before baking.
Cheese Not Melting? Ensure your oven is hot enough before baking; a final broil can help achieve that melty top.
Pasta Overcooked? If your pasta turns mushy, it may have been cooked too long initiallyaim for slightly undercooked for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:
Serve it hot out of the oven with a green salad on the side for a balanced meal.
Pair it with some garlic bread for a cozy Italian night!
Leftovers? Reheat in the oven for an easy lunch the next day.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
Time
Notes
Refrigerator
3-4 days
Store in an airtight container for best freshness.
Freezer
2-3 months
Wrap tightly; reheat directly from frozen or let thaw first.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the steps down, why not gather your family around the table tonight? This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a not-so-secret way to make memories and share love through comforting food. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Expert Says
Using a SIMPLE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE is a great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into one dish. Ground beef is not only rich in iron and vitamin B12, but it also absorbs flavors well. This makes it perfect for layering with spices and sauces, enhancing the overall taste and nutritional value of your meal.
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The Journey to My Simple Ground Beef Casserole
This simple ground beef casserole was a true labor of love, taking me several attempts to perfect. I vividly remember the first time it turned into a soupy disasteran unintended lesson in the importance of draining the meat! Now, it’s a comforting dish that my family eagerly gathers around for.
FAQs ( Simple Ground Beef Casserole )
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if putting it straight from the fridge into the oven. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What type of ground beef works best?
I recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture balance. Leaner beef can make the dish dry, while fattier blends may require draining excess grease. Always brown the meat thoroughly and drain before adding to your casserole.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Bell peppers, corn, green beans, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms all work wonderfully. Just sauté firmer vegetables like peppers with the beef, or fold in frozen veggies before baking. This is a great way to sneak extra nutrition into dinner.
How do I keep the cheese from getting greasy?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can cause separation. Add the cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking rather than at the beginning. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese can set properly.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this SIMPLE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE turns out! In just 30 minutes, you’ll create a bubbling dish that fills the room with warmth and the promise of comfort. It’s like wrapping your family in a big, cozy blanket of flavor!
Try adding diced bell peppers or swapping in your favorite pasta shape for a fun twist. Don’t forget, leftovers are perfect for lunchjust reheat in the oven to keep that cheesy goodness alive! A little trick I learned from my auntalways add a sprinkle of herbs before serving for that extra pop of flavor!
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you grow up with a casserole like this one? Share your memories or photos! And remember, this recipe is meant to be shared, so save it for your loved ones. Here’s to cozy meals that bring families together!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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