Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells are all great choices—just stick to short noodle shapes so the casserole holds together well and the sauce gets in every bite.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check your marinara sauce to make sure it's gluten-free as well.

What can I do if my casserole seems dry?

If you notice the casserole is a bit dry after baking or reheating, drizzle a couple of tablespoons of warm marinara sauce or a splash of milk over the top and gently stir.

Is there a way to add more veggies without losing the classic flavor?

Yes, and it’s encouraged! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely chopped bell pepper when you add the marinara sauce. They blend in beautifully and add extra nutrition without overpowering the classic taste.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and delicious family favorite made with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this quick and easy casserole is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni noodles
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Add Marinara Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, bring the mixture to a simmer, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it cook for a couple of minutes so the flavors blend.
Combine Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, combine the drained pasta along with the ground beef and sauce mixture. Add 1 ½ cups of the grated cheddar cheese and toss gently to mix everything together.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Use mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different cheesy finish.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
Calories: 340
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 50mg