Description
This comforting Ground Beef Casserole combines savory browned beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Quick to prepare and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or any short pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds the flavor base of the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined, adding richness to the dish.
- Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated and combined for a hearty filling.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like elbows or rotini; ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Drain excess grease from beef to keep casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sour cream adds creaminess but can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with onions for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground beef casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, cheesy beef pasta, easy family dinner
