This cheesy ground beef casserole is a satisfying and easy dinner option that combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.
Overview of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table.
It combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a hearty meal that appeals to all ages.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a convenient option for families.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The key components of this casserole include ground beef, which provides a savory base, and pasta that adds substance and texture.
A rich cheese sauce binds everything together, while the addition of diced tomatoes and spices enhances the overall flavor profile.
Topped with melted mozzarella and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Preparation Steps
To create this casserole, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet.
Once the meat is cooked, add chopped onions and garlic, allowing them to soften and release their flavors.
Mix in the cooked pasta, sour cream, and seasonings to create a creamy filling that will be layered in the baking dish.
Baking to Perfection
After assembling the casserole, it’s covered with aluminum foil and baked to allow the flavors to meld together.
Removing the foil towards the end of baking allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden topping.
This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, adding a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
Garnishing with chopped parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a hint of freshness to each bite.
Nutrition and Serving Information
This casserole serves six people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
With approximately 400 calories per serving, it offers a balanced meal with a good amount of protein and carbohydrates.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g