Here’s a hearty, family-favorite Baked Ground Beef Casserole — cheesy, comforting, and easy to customize 🥘🧀✨
🥘 Classic Baked Ground Beef Casserole
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Make the sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine
- Stir in cooked pasta and sour cream (if using).
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
5️⃣ Add cheese & bake
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Rest & serve
Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
🌟 Tips
- For a low-carb version: swap pasta for steamed cauliflower.
- For a Tex-Mex twist: use taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese.
- For extra richness: mix ½ cup cream cheese into the beef mixture.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- 🥔 A ground beef & potato layered casserole
- 🧀 A creamy hamburger rice bake
- 🥦 Or a keto-friendly beef casserole
Which version sounds good?
