Of course! A ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food and a fantastic way to feed a family. It’s versatile, forgiving, and always satisfying.
Here is a classic, all-in-one recipe that is sure to become a go-to, along with popular variations.
Classic Cheesy Ground Beef & Noodle Casserole
This is the quintessential “hamburger helper” but made from scratch, creamier, and topped with a deliciously cheesy crust.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
· 8 oz elbow macaroni, rotini, or egg noodles
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 lb lean ground beef
· 1 medium onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite pasta sauce or 2 cups of tomato sauce
· 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
· 1 cup sour cream or cottage cheese (for a protein boost)
· 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (a mix of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect)
· Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat & Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Combine: To the beef mixture, add the jarred pasta sauce and the can of tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Add Dairy & Pasta: Stir in the sour cream (or cottage cheese) and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese until the cheese starts to melt. Then, fold in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese (and Parmesan, if using) evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Rest: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set for cleaner slices.
Popular Variations to Try
The beauty of a ground beef casserole is its versatility. Here are a few “spin-off” ideas:
- Tater Tot Casserole
A Midwest classic! Follow the first steps to brown the beef and onion. Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots). Spread this mixture in a baking dish, top with a layer of frozen tater tots, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until the tots are crispy. Top with cheese for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Mexican Fiesta Casserole
Add 1 packet of taco seasoning to the beef with the garlic. Instead of pasta sauce, use 1 cup of salsa and a can of black beans (drained and rinsed). Use corn or southwest-style vegetables. Substitute the Italian cheese blend with a Mexican blend. Top with crushed tortilla chips before adding the cheese.
- Cheeseburger Casserole
This one mimics all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. Add 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 2 tablespoons of ketchup to the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir in chopped dill pickles and cooked, crumbled bacon. Top with cheddar cheese and bake.
Pro-Tips for the Best Casserole
· Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue to cook in the oven, so boiling it to al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
· Drain the Fat: Draining the excess grease from the cooked beef is crucial to prevent a greasy final dish.
· Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach when you cook the onions.
· Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
· Freeze It: Let the baked casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
No matter which version you choose, you’re in for a hearty, delicious, and comforting meal! Enjoy