Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Are you craving a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love? Look no further than a ground beef casserole! Packed with layers of flavorful ground beef, tender pasta or potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this meal is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for busy weeknights or want to impress your guests with a crowd-pleasing dish, this ground beef casserole recipe is the perfect choice. Follow along as we walk you through each step, including tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid, to ensure that your casserole comes out perfect every time. Let’s get started!

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What Is Ground Beef Casserole?

Ground beef casserole is a versatile, layered dish that combines browned ground beef, vegetables, a starch like pasta, rice, or potatoes, and is often topped with cheese before baking it to golden perfection. It's a favorite comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a large crowd or prepping in advance for quick and easy meals throughout the week. This dish is great for incorporating various ingredients you might already have on hand, and the combination of flavors will satisfy all taste buds.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious ground beef casserole recipe:

• 1 pound of ground beef – You can use lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean) for a healthier option or go with ground chuck for more flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the casserole.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory profile.
• 2 cups of pasta (penne, macaroni, or egg noodles) – You can also substitute pasta with potatoes or rice.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – For moisture and added flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Provides a creamy base.
• 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese – You can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil – To cook the onions and garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the beef and veggies.
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning – Adds herbs like basil and oregano to enhance flavor.
• ½ cup of sour cream (optional) – For added creaminess.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole Variations

Want to make your ground beef casserole unique? Here are some additional ingredients or substitutions you can try:

• Vegetables: Add in frozen peas, corn, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
• Creamier Texture: Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or add a little cream cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to give the casserole a spicy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and use potatoes or rice.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of a ground beef casserole is its adaptability. If you're missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up, here are some great substitution ideas:

• Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative. For a richer flavor, you can also use ground pork or a blend of beef and pork.
• Cheese: Use whatever cheese you prefer! Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack work well. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Pasta: If you don’t have penne or macaroni, feel free to use any type of pasta you have in your pantry—fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all work great.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the sour cream and use a dairy-free cream soup and cheese if you're looking for a lactose-free version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these detailed instructions to create the ultimate ground beef casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Add tomatoes and soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and cream of mushroom soup. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Combine with pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. If using sour cream, stir it in for a creamier casserole.
7. Layer the casserole: Pour half of the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. Add the remaining mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly, follow these additional tips:

• Sauté the onions and garlic properly – This step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish. Make sure the onions are soft and translucent before adding the garlic and ground beef.
• Drain excess grease – If your ground beef releases a lot of fat during cooking, be sure to drain it to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Layer strategically – Creating layers in your casserole helps distribute flavors more evenly. Don’t forget to add a layer of cheese in the middle!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooking the pasta al dente: Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite) before mixing it into the casserole. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the oven.
• Forgetting to season: Always taste your beef mixture before assembling the casserole. Season with enough salt, pepper, and spices to ensure it’s flavorful.
• Using too much cheese: While cheese is essential, adding too much can make the dish overly greasy. Stick to the recommended amounts unless you love an extra cheesy casserole!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground beef casserole is a rustic, hearty dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look appealing! Follow these serving and presentation tips to elevate your casserole:

• Fresh herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Bread on the side: Serve your casserole with warm garlic bread or a French baguette to soak up any extra sauce.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef casserole is best served piping hot right out of the oven. Here’s how you can serve it:

1. Portion it out: Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates.
2. Pair it with sides: As mentioned above, complement the casserole with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
3. Perfect for leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for an easy meal later in the week.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole

If you’re serving ground beef casserole for a special occasion, here are some presentation ideas to impress your guests:

• Serve in individual ramekins: Portion the casserole into small, oven-safe ramekins for a sophisticated touch.
• Top with breadcrumbs: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top for a crispy golden crust.
• Drizzle with sauce: For added flavor, serve the casserole with a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce or creamy ranch dressing on the side.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead of time: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger dish or use two casserole dishes.
• Freeze for later: Ground beef casserole freezes wonderfully! Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make ground beef casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze ground beef casserole?
Absolutely! Ground beef casserole freezes well. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after assembling, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.

3. What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, use a meatless ground beef alternative or crumbled tofu.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

Ground beef casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that you’ll want to make again and again. With its layers of savory beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients, and don’t forget to follow the tips to avoid common mistakes. We hope this guide inspires you to get in the kitchen and whip up your own delicious version of ground beef casserole. Happy cooking!

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