This cheesy ground beef casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Overview of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for family dinners.
With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, it promises satisfaction in every bite.
The bubbling cheese on top creates an inviting appearance, making it hard to resist serving this dish straight from the oven.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity.
Key ingredients include ground beef, pasta, and a variety of cheeses that meld together to create a creamy texture.
Adding diced tomatoes introduces a burst of flavor, while spices like Italian seasoning elevate the overall taste.
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of freshness to each serving.
This dish can easily be tailored to suit personal preferences by incorporating favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this casserole is straightforward and can be accomplished in a little over an hour.
Start by cooking the pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, ensuring it holds up well in the baking process.
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
Once the beef is cooked, combine it with the pasta and other ingredients in a large skillet.
Mixing in the cheeses at this stage allows them to melt into the mixture, creating a creamy consistency that binds everything together.
Baking to Perfection
After transferring the mixture to a greased baking dish, top it with additional cheese for that gooey finish.
Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to bubble beautifully.
The result is a golden, cheesy topping that beckons everyone to the table.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
This brief resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies.
For a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress.
Its comforting nature and hearty ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This casserole serves six, making it perfect for family meals or meal prep for the week ahead.
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates.
With 30 grams of protein per serving, it provides a filling option for those looking to enjoy a hearty dish without compromising on nutrition.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole features seasoned ground beef mixed with cooked pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and topped with more cheese for a deliciously gooey finish. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef. Mix well until combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy ground beef casserole!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g