Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ready to meet your new go-to weeknight dinner? This Ground Beef Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic that everyone needs in their recipe rotation. Imagine tender elbow macaroni wrapped in a hearty, savory beef and marinara sauce, all snuggled under a melty blanket of cheddar cheese—pure comfort in a dish. With just a few basic ingredients and barely 35 minutes from start to bubbling finish, this casserole is the ultimate answer for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Elbow Macaroni Noodles: The soul of this casserole—pasta that hugs all that sauce and cheese. Short shape works best for even baking and soaking up flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; dice small for even cooking.
• Ground Beef: Brings that hearty, savory bite; lean works best to avoid excess grease.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and beef, adding a touch of richness.
• Garlic: A must for boosting the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
• Marinara Sauce: The shortcut to big flavor; homemade or your favorite store-bought jar both shine here.
• Cheddar Cheese: For gooey, glorious melt and tang—use sharp cheddar if you want extra punch. Don’t hold back with the cheese—more is always better!
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—taste as you go.

Variations

• Switch Up Your Meat: Try ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Veggie Loaded: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to up the veggie content without extra effort.
• Try Different Cheeses: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend add a different twist. Just be sure whatever cheese you use melts well!
• Herb Lovers: Toss in a little Italian seasoning, chopped parsley or basil to brighten everything up.
• Sauce Experiment: Prefer a creamier casserole? Add a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll want it ready for the cheesy masterpiece coming its way.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a big pot of salted boiling water, cook your elbow macaroni until perfectly al dente—about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook! The pasta gets more time in the oven.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften—this takes about 5 minutes and releases amazing aroma. Then, add your ground beef and minced garlic. Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown nicely—about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything come together in a hearty simmer. Give it a taste—add salt and pepper as needed. You want every bite to pop with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Add your drained pasta right into the sauce pan, then toss everything together so the noodles are fully coated. Next, pour the saucy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Stir in half to two-thirds of the shredded cheddar so cheesy goodness runs throughout. Sprinkle the rest on top for that beautiful melted layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the whole dish into the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. That’s your cue it’s ready!

How to Serve

This casserole does a great job standing on its own, but here are some delicious ways to round out your meal:

• Garnish: Scatter fresh chopped parsley or extra black pepper over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances all that cheesy richness.
• Garlic Bread: No one will complain if you add a warm slice (or two) of garlic bread for mopping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli or a medley of colorful peppers and zucchini add both nutrition and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely. Wrap well in foil or an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, or gently reheat the whole casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating if you want to refresh that gooey, melty top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver on chaotic evenings and a source of instant smiles at the dinner table. It’s all about simple steps, familiar flavors, and satisfying everyone from picky kids to hungry adults. Give it a spin, have fun with the variations, and watch this no-fuss classic become a regular in your weeknight lineup. Happy cooking!

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