Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing Ground Beef Casserole recipe—comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight family dinner or potluck:
🥘 Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work well)
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained slightly)
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1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
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1/2 cup sour cream (optional, adds creaminess)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
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Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and garlic; cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft.
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Drain excess fat.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Turn off heat and stir in sour cream (if using).
4. Combine with Pasta:
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In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
5. Top and Bake:
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Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
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Add Parmesan if using.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
6. Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Variations:
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage instead of beef.
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Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Low-carb: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or use zucchini noodles.
Would you like a freezer-friendly version or a Tex-Mex twist with taco seasoning and corn?