There’s something magical about the sound of sizzling ground beef filling the kitchen. This Simple Ground Beef Casserole makes weeknight dinners a breeze, and it’s quickly become a family favorite for its cozy vibes and cheesy goodness. Who doesn’t crave a warm, cheesy dish at the end of a long day?
This casserole is all about simple comforts. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey cheese, it comes together in one pan without any fuss. Think of it as your grandma’s version, but ready in under 30 minutes! Plus, it’s packed with pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up even on the busiest evenings.
I started making this hearty meal while juggling recipe testing back in 2015. The first time I served it, my kids couldn’t get enough, declaring it “the best dinner ever!” The secret? Layering the cheese and meat for maximum flavor. After countless dinners, it remains a go-to, perfect for busy families craving comfort without the effort.
Joe Rooney
Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this recipe is a great example of Easy Beef Rice Casserole Cheesy and includes elements of Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Veggies and Ground Beef Rice Casserole Creamy. For a rustic twist, it shares comforting qualities with Cowboy Ground Beef Casserole Tots.
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 10 minutes, ensuring it remains slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for around 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Stir in the minced garlic partway through cooking. Remove some excess fat if necessary.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and heat through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as preferred.
Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef sauce over the pasta and gently mix until evenly combined.
Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. For extra cheesiness, mix in an additional half cup of cheese before topping.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly. Optionally, switch to the broiler for a few minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Serve hot.
Notes
This casserole is very adaptable: feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit your taste. For more tips and variations, check the blog post or find this recipe in chapter 6 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s packed with comforting flavors and gooey cheese that’ll satisfy the whole family.
The recipe allows for simple substitutions, making it easily adaptable to what you have on hand.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, likely to become a go-to for potlucks or quick family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Pasta: Use uncooked penne for that perfect chewiness.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds heartiness and flavor; look for lean options to keep it light.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara will bring everything together with a delicious sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Opt for shredded cheese for easy melting; it adds that comforting, cheesy top layer.
Tools: A 9×13 baking dish and a skillet make this casserole easy to prepare.
Ingredient
Substitutions
Penne
Any pasta shape, like rotini or elbow macaroni
Ground Beef
Turkey or chicken for a lighter option
Marinara Sauce
Homemade tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist
Cheddar Cheese
Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavors
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease your 9×13 baking dish. This helps prevent sticking later!
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your penne for about 10 minutesshould be just slightly underdone.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef and onion for 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, then pour in the marinara sauce and warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
Drain the pasta, combine it with the beef mixture in your baking dish, and mix well.
Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, then bake for 10 minutes until melted and gorgeous!
Troubleshooting Tips
If the casserole is too dry: Add a splash more marinara sauce before baking.
For unevenly melted cheese: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the endit makes a delightful difference!
If using a different pasta: Adjust cook time slightly to prevent mushiness.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve hot with a side salad for a well-rounded meal your family will love.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this a great meal prep option.
Reheat in the oven or microwave; if it seems dry, add a small amount of water or marinara for moisture.
Storage Tips
Duration
Refrigerate in an airtight container
3 days
Freeze in a suitable container for later
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
N/A
Expert Says
A SIMPLE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE is not only easy to prepare but also provides a balanced meal. Ground beef is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair, and when combined with vegetables, offers important vitamins and minerals. Opt for lean beef to reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
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A Simple Ground Beef Casserole Worth the Wait
Perfecting this simple ground beef casserole took several attempts filled with trial and, admittedly, a few amusing mishaps. I once mistook cayenne for paprika, making it a fiery dinner failure! But with each attempt, I learned to balance flavors until I finally crafted a comforting, family-approved dish. It’s now a staple in our home.
FAQs ( Simple Ground Beef Casserole )
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if putting it straight from the fridge into the oven. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What type of ground beef works best?
I recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture balance. Leaner beef can make the dish dry, while fattier blends may require draining excess grease. Always brown the meat thoroughly and drain before adding to your casserole.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Bell peppers, corn, green beans, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms all work wonderfully. Just sauté firmer vegetables like peppers with the beef, or fold in frozen veggies before baking. This is a great way to sneak extra nutrition into dinner.
How do I keep the cheese from getting greasy?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can cause separation. Add the cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking rather than at the beginning. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese can set properly.
Conclusion
You’re going to love how this Simple Ground Beef Casserole turns out! In just 30 minutes, the rich aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table for a warm, comforting meal. Trust me; it’s pure comfort in a dish!
Feel free to get creative! Swap in your favorite veggies or try adding a hint of spice for a zesty twist. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully; just sprinkle a touch of water to keep it creamy. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen!
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you grow up with something similar? Share your photos and memories! Save or share this recipe with loved ones; it’s a cozy dish that’s meant to be enjoyed together.
