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Best-Ever Easy Ground Beef Casserole for Busy Weeknights
This ground beef casserole is a cozy, satisfying dinner made for busy weeknights. With tender pasta, savory beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bubbly melted cheese, it brings comforting flavor to the table with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
Quick Overview
- Prep time: Not provided
- Cook time: Not provided
- Total time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple preparation: Brown the beef, combine the ingredients, and let the oven finish the work.
- Comforting flavor: Beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and cheddar create a rich and familiar combination.
- One-dish convenience: The casserole format makes this an easy choice for busy evenings and simpler cleanup.
- Family-friendly: Tender pasta and melted cheese make this a crowd-pleasing dinner for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the casserole is assembled.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat. Cook the mixture until the beef is no longer pink and the onion begins to soften. Draining excess fat helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is coated with the tomato and beef mixture so it can cook evenly in the casserole.
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, then cover it securely to help retain moisture while the pasta cooks.
Bake for 25 minutes. Keep the casserole covered during this stage.
Remove the foil, stir, and top with shredded cheese. Stir the casserole carefully, then spread the cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole is ready when the cheese is golden around the edges and bubbling.
How to Serve It
- Serve with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
- Add steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a balanced weeknight meal.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before serving.
How to Store It
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them. Reheat individual portions until hot throughout, stirring when appropriate to help the casserole warm evenly.
For longer storage, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating. If the pasta seems dry after storage, cover it while reheating to help retain moisture.
Helpful Tips
- Drain excess fat from the browned beef before adding the tomatoes and broth to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Stir the uncooked pasta thoroughly into the liquid mixture so it cooks as evenly as possible.
- Keep the casserole covered during the first bake, then uncover it only for the final baking period so the cheese can melt and turn bubbly without drying out the dish.
Optional Variations
- Use a different shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or a mild cheese blend, for a new topping flavor.
- Add chopped bell pepper or other favorite vegetables with the onion and garlic for extra texture.
- Replace the elbow macaroni with another similar pasta shape, keeping the same quantity of 2 cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. You can use another similar pasta shape in place of elbow macaroni while keeping the quantity at 2 cups.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole ahead of baking, then keep it covered and refrigerated until you are ready to cook it. Make sure it is heated thoroughly before serving.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly after the final uncovered baking period.
Can I freeze leftover ground beef casserole?
Yes. Cool the leftovers completely, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ground Beef Casserole
This cozy and satisfying ground beef casserole features tender pasta, savory beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a less greasy casserole.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni) You can substitute with another similar pasta shape.
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar) Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Baking
- Bake for 25 minutes, keeping the casserole covered.
- Remove the foil, stir, and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. To store leftovers, allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.
