Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s a hearty and comforting Ground Beef Casserole recipe—perfect for a weeknight dinner or to feed a hungry crowd. You can customize it with veggies, cheese, pasta, or potatoes depending on your taste.

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🍲 Classic Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or use tomato sauce)

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or cream cheese for a richer flavor)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex version)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or egg noodles work great)

• Optional: 1 cup cooked veggies (e.g. bell peppers, peas, mushrooms, corn)

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Instructions:

1. Cook Beef Mixture:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

   • Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.

   • Drain excess fat.

   • Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

2. Add Creaminess:

   • Stir in sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

   • Add optional veggies if using.

3. Combine with Pasta:

   • Fold in cooked pasta until everything is well combined.

4. Bake:

   • Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Top with additional cheese.

   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

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🔁 Variations:

• Tex-Mex style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

• Low-carb version: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.

• Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead, then bake when ready.

• Freezer-friendly: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Would you like a version with mashed potatoes on top (like a shepherd’s pie) or a cheesy hash brown crust?