Introduction
Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish made with seasoned beef, tender pasta or potatoes, rich tomato or cream sauce, and melted cheese. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for easy weeknight dinners.
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Description
This casserole combines savory ground beef with aromatic vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce, layered or mixed with pasta, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbling and golden. The result is a warm, filling dish with balanced textures and classic comfort-food flavor.
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Ingredients
Base
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Creamy Layer (optional but recommended)
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
Pasta Layer
3 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or shells)
Topping
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
4. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables soften.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese.
7. In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta evenly.
8. Spread the creamy mixture over the pasta.
9. Pour the beef mixture on top and spread evenly.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Tips
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Add extra seasoning if you prefer a bolder flavor.
Cook pasta slightly al dente so it does not get mushy while baking.
If the casserole looks dry, add a splash of broth or extra tomato sauce.
Allow the casserole to rest before slicing; it sets and becomes easier to serve.
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Variations
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Creamy Alfredo Version: Replace tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce for a white casserole.
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.
Potato Swap: Replace pasta with thinly sliced potatoes for a layered potato beef bake.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños.
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Correction (Common Mistakes to Avoid)
Not draining beef: Leaving excess grease makes the casserole oily.
Overcooking the pasta: This leads to a mushy texture after baking.
Insufficient seasoning: Ground beef needs enough salt and spices to stand out.
Using watery tomatoes: Drain excess liquid if your mixture seems too thin.
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Enjoy
Serve warm alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. This casserole keeps well and tastes great as leftovers, making it a reliable and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a low-carb version, a no-pasta version, or a printable recipe card.