This cheesy ground beef casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s an excellent choice for a family dinner or potluck.
The recipe is simple and can be prepared in one dish, making cleanup easy. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.
Overview of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a comforting dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce.
It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
The simplicity of this recipe allows for easy preparation, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients That Shine
The key components of this casserole include ground beef, which provides a rich flavor, and pasta that adds a satisfying texture.
Colorful diced tomatoes not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute freshness to the dish.
A blend of cheeses, including cheddar and optional Parmesan, creates a gooey topping that melts beautifully in the oven.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with chopped onions and minced garlic until fully cooked.
This step infuses the dish with aromatic flavors that set the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
Next, mix in the diced tomatoes and cooked pasta, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Stirring in sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese adds creaminess to the mixture, making it even more delicious.
Assembling the Casserole
Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a greased baking dish.
Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle Parmesan if desired.
This layering creates a delightful crust that forms during baking, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The goal is to achieve a bubbly and golden cheese topping that invites everyone to dig in.
Let it cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal.
Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cheesy ground beef casserole is sure to please any crowd.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole features layers of ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, mixed with cooked pasta and a rich cheese sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g