There’s something undeniably comforting about casseroles with ground beef. Imagine a warm, cheesy dish bubbling away in the oven, filled with hearty flavors and textures that just scream “home.” The aroma wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug on a cold day, luring everyone into the dining space, eagerly anticipating the first bite.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a chilly evening, and as I pulled it out of the oven, my kids declared me a culinary genius. They fell in love with its cheesy goodness and savory layers, asking for seconds like they had just discovered treasure at the bottom of a cereal box.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These casseroles with ground beef are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- They burst with flavor from simple ingredients that blend beautifully together
- Visually appealing, they can be customized to include your favorite veggies and spices
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, they’re sure to please everyone at the table
I still chuckle when I think of that night; my husband jokingly asked if we could have it every day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; it’s the star of your casserole.
-
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to release its full flavor.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; chop finely for even distribution.
-
Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for texture; they add moisture and richness to the casserole.
-
Pasta: Any small pasta works well; cook it slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the oven.
-
Cheese: Shredded cheese adds that gooey goodness; mix different types for depth of flavor.
-
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, and basil create a robust flavor profile; don’t skimp on these!
-
Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers add color and crunch; choose vibrant ones for visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Sauté Your Veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 3 minutes.
Add Ground Beef: Stir in your ground beef along with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s browned thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Mix Ingredients Together: In your large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, sautéed veggies, and any additional seasonings you fancy. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Add Cheese Galore!: Now comes the fun part—fold in half of your shredded cheese mixture until it’s all melty and deliciously combined. The anticipation is real!
Bake Until Bubbling: Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
And there you have it—casseroles with ground beef that will make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! Enjoy this delightful dish hot out of the oven while basking in compliments from friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- Casseroles with ground beef are the ultimate comfort food; they combine flavors, textures, and nostalgia into one delicious dish
- You can easily prepare them ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The savory aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create a mouthwatering casserole with ground beef, start by browning the meat first. This adds depth to the flavor. While it cools, prepare your vegetables and mix any sauces or seasonings needed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize casseroles with ground beef by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Swap out cheddar cheese for mozzarella, or toss in some mushrooms for an umami punch that everyone will love.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 20 minutes is usually perfect.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your casserole rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set beautifully
- Use lean ground beef for less grease but still rich flavor
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it’s key to making delicious casseroles that shine!
The first time I made a casserole with ground beef for my family, they devoured it in minutes and asked if I could make it every week! That moment cemented my love for this versatile dish.
FAQ
Can I use other meats for casseroles with ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives in casseroles.
What side dishes pair well with casseroles?
Simple salads or garlic bread complement casseroles perfectly without overwhelming flavors.
Can I freeze casseroles with ground beef?
Absolutely! They freeze well; just make sure to store them in airtight containers.
Delicious Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth of a classic ground beef casserole, where layers of cheesy goodness meet hearty flavors for a comforting family meal. This simple yet satisfying dish combines lean ground beef, pasta, and vibrant veggies baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups small pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella mix)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, sautéed mixture, oregano, basil, and half of the cheese; mix well.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
