Make this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole with seasoned beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy family-friendly dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep.
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef, tender pasta, savory sauce, and layers of melted cheese. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this casserole is rich, filling, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and affordable ingredients
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for meal prep
- Cheesy and satisfying
- Great for leftovers
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Optional Add-Ins
- Bell peppers, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Corn
- Spinach
- Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add to the skillet:
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Beef mixture
- Cream cheese
Mix until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half the mixture into the baking dish.
Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Add the remaining beef mixture.
Finish with the remaining cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Oven
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave
Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- Cook pasta slightly underdone since it continues cooking while baking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations
Mexican-Style Casserole
Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Mix in cooked bacon and top with extra cheddar.
Creamy Version
Add an extra ½ cup sour cream.
Low-Carb Version
Replace pasta with cauliflower florets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, or shells all work well.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food dinner that combines savory beef, tender pasta, rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect recipe for feeding a family or preparing delicious leftovers for