Savory Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering simple ground beef casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Home cooks appreciate quick meals that satisfy hungry appetites without complicated steps.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that pack flavor and nutrition into one dish.

Layers of tender meat, creamy sauce, and hearty vegetables create a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing feast that takes minimal effort.

Rich and filling, this casserole promises to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.

You’ll want seconds of this deliciously uncomplicated dinner that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Reasons to Enjoy Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Speedy Family Feast: Dive into a quick, hearty meal that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delicious dinner using simple, readily available ingredients that transform into a crowd-pleasing casserole without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra cheese, switching pasta types, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single baking dish that combines pasta, meat, and cheese into a complete, satisfying meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes enjoyment.

Ingredients for Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory base of this delicious casserole.
• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly catches and holds the meaty sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce that adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• Cheese: A melty, gooey topping that brings creamy richness to the entire casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed ingredients that provide a delicious aromatic base for the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the beef and onions with great flavor.
• Cooking Spray: A non-stick solution to prepare the baking dish for easy serving and cleanup.

How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook for about 8-9 minutes, keeping it slightly firmer than fully cooked.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and diced onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning.

Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the beef is completely browned and onions are translucent.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Step 4: Build Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for an additional minute.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Pour marinara sauce into the meat, stirring to combine.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat

Transfer the cooked pasta to the prepared baking dish.

Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution of meat and sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. For extra cheesy goodness, mix some additional cheese into the pasta before adding the final layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes. The cheese should melt completely and become slightly bubbly.

For a golden brown finish, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional cheese if desired. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

• Ensure meat is browned evenly by breaking it into small crumbles while cooking to maximize flavor and prevent large clumps.
• Slightly undercook pasta during boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy final texture and maintaining ideal al dente consistency.
• Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and richer flavor throughout the casserole.
• Remove excess beef fat after cooking to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more appetizing dish without losing meat's rich taste.
• Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to marinara sauce for deeper Mediterranean-inspired taste that complements ground beef perfectly.

Variations on Simple Ground Beef Casserole

• Spicy Southwestern Beef Casserole: Replace marinara sauce with salsa, add green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Beef Casserole: Mix in oregano, basil, and feta cheese, then garnish with chopped parsley for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Casserole: Incorporate cream of mushroom soup, sautéed mushrooms, and swap penne for egg noodles for a rich, comforting version.
• Veggie-Loaded Beef Casserole: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach to increase nutrition and create a more colorful dish.

Pairings with Ground Beef Casserole

• Uncork a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the rich beef and tomato sauce flavors. These full-bodied red wines cut through the casserole's richness and provide a perfect counterbalance to the cheesy, meaty dish.
• Toss a light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the casserole's hearty profile. The fresh, acidic elements will cleanse the palate between bites.

Storing Ground Beef Casserole Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese top.

FAQs

• What makes this ground beef casserole different from other pasta dishes?

This casserole combines simple ingredients like penne, ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese into a one-dish meal that’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini that hold sauce well and are easy to mix with ground beef.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, beef, and melted cheese makes this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike. The simple flavors are appealing to most palates.

Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Simple Ground Beef Casserole delivers comforting midwestern charm with layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles. Weeknight dinner champions will love this quick, satisfying meal that brings family together around one delicious, steaming dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Sauces, Cheese, and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and coating a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Create the pasta foundation by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook penne for approximately 8-9 minutes until just shy of complete tenderness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Transform the ground beef into a flavorful base by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, systematically breaking down the meat while cooking for 10 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Eliminate excess fat if accumulating.
4. Enhance the beef mixture with marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper, and allow the flavors to meld together briefly.
5. Construct the casserole layers by transferring the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish. Cascade the beef mixture over the pasta, gently tossing to ensure uniform distribution.
6. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage across the surface.
7. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese achieves a fully melted, glossy appearance.
8. Optional: For a golden, crispy cheese topping, activate the broiler and monitor closely for 2-3 minutes until achieving a delicate bronze finish.
9. Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, and serve immediately to capture maximum flavor and optimal cheese stretch.

Notes

• Cook penne slightly al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to customize flavor profiles and add complexity.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste and convenience.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 519 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg