What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty ground beef casserole with tender pasta and rich flavors, made easy with simple homemade ingredients like ground beef and tomato sauce. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal to enjoy on busy nights, try it soon and make it a staple in your household, Pin for later and give it a try tonight.

Ground Beef Casserole

Introduction

The Ground Beef Casserole is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines the richness of ground beef, the warmth of baked pasta, and the satisfaction of a meal that’s easy to prepare and fun to customize. This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and the convenience of using everyday ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a weeknight dinner solution, a college student seeking a simple yet satisfying meal, or an avid cook wanting to explore creative variations, the Ground Beef Casserole is an excellent choice. Its ease of preparation, impressive results with minimal effort, and the versatility to adapt to various tastes make it a favorite among many.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses provides a robust flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The ingredients are commonly found in most supermarkets, making it accessible to cook.
• Ease of preparation: The casserole requires minimal prep time, with most of the work involved in browning the ground beef and mixing the ingredients together before baking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Ground Beef Casserole presents well and is sure to please both family and guests, making it an excellent option for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The Ground Beef Casserole relies on several key ingredients for its success. Ground beef is the protein base, providing a hearty and filling element to the dish. Pasta, preferably penne or rotini, adds texture and helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. A mix of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, contributes to the dish’s creamy and rich texture. Canned tomatoes and tomato paste form the base of the sauce, while onions, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano add depth and freshness. Practical substitutions can be made based on personal preferences or dietary needs, such as using leaner ground meats, gluten-free pasta, or vegan cheese alternatives.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, preparing them for sautéing.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned. Drain the excess fat, then add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano. Stir well to combine, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, and about half of the mixed cheeses. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the cheese is evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top the pasta mixture with the remaining cheese and any additional toppings you prefer, such as diced bell peppers or sliced olives.
4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to settle, making each bite more enjoyable.

Handy Tips

• To enhance the flavor of your casserole, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or some chopped fresh parsley for freshness. If you’re looking for substitutions, ground turkey or ground pork can be used in place of ground beef, and different types of cheese can alter the flavor profile significantly.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when cooking the Ground Beef Casserole. The ideal temperature for baking is 375°F (190°C), which ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without burning. The total cooking time is about 35-40 minutes, with the first 25 minutes covered with foil to prevent the top from burning and the last 10-15 minutes uncovered to achieve a golden, bubbly crust. Signs of doneness include a heated-through casserole with melted, slightly browned cheese on top.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture, or “crunch factor,” in your Ground Beef Casserole can elevate the dish from good to great. The combination of al dente pasta, the crunch of any added vegetables like bell peppers, and the satisfying crunch of a well-baked cheese topping provides a delightful texture contrast. To enhance the crunch, consider adding some crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before the final baking period.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for achieving a perfectly baked casserole is to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This simple step allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set, making the casserole easier to serve and more enjoyable to eat. Additionally, using high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cheese and the ground beef, can significantly impact the final flavor and texture of the dish.

Storage Tips

• For leftover storage, cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to do so before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting a Ground Beef Casserole, perhaps to a new neighbor or a family in need of a meal, there are several creative ways to package it. Transfer the cooled casserole to a disposable aluminum baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and decorate the top with a ribbon or a gift tag. You could also include a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. For a more personal touch, include a handwritten recipe card or a list of reheating instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cumin for a Southwestern twist or some dried oregano for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
• Creative toppings: Jalapeños for a spicy kick, diced tomatoes for freshness, or sliced black olives for a salty contrast can all add interesting dimensions to the dish.
• Ingredient swaps: Using ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef, or substituting the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, can offer variety without straying far from the original recipe.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the casserole turns out too dry, it may be due to overcooking the pasta or the casserole itself. Conversely, if it’s too soggy, the pasta might not have been cooked enough, or too much liquid was added to the sauce.
• Ingredient replacements: When substituting ingredients, especially the ground meat or the type of cheese, be mindful of how these changes might affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking, looking for signs of doneness such as a golden-brown top and a heated-through interior. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Ground Beef Casserole can be frozen, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze. If freezing after baking, cool the casserole, cover it, and then freeze.
• Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger casserole will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be adapted to fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. With its ease of preparation, rich flavors, and hearty portions, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Feel encouraged to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, the Ground Beef Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering comfort, convenience, and deliciousness in every bite.