Classic Ground Beef Casserole 🍝🥘
This hearty, comfort-food casserole is a family favorite—layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients *(Serves 6-8)*
For the Casserole:
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 2.5 cups homemade sauce)
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional for extra texture)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work well)
-
1 cup (240ml) beef or chicken broth (or water)
-
1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup (50g) shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
-
1 cup sliced mushrooms
-
1 bell pepper, diced
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
-
1 cup fresh spinach (stirred in at the end)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the beef & veggies:
-
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
-
Add onion and garlic (and optional mushrooms/bell pepper if using) and cook until softened (~5 mins).
-
Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
-
Cook the pasta:
-
While the beef simmers, cook the pasta al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain.
-
-
Assemble the casserole:
-
In the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, beef sauce, and broth. Mix well.
-
Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
-
-
Bake:
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
-
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
-
Serving Suggestions
-
Pair with: Garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
-
Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley.
-
Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours—add 5-10 mins to bake time.
Why You’ll Love It
✔️ One-dish wonder—minimal cleanup!
✔️ Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
✔️ Freezer-friendly—bake now, reheat later.
Who’s ready for a cozy, cheesy dinner? 😋🔥