Growing up in a bustling household, weeknights meant quick, satisfying meals that could stretch to feed a crowd—and nothing did that better than a bubbling ground beef casserole straight out of the oven. My mom always had her “go-to” version, layered with pasta, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce. Whether it was a cold winter evening or a late summer dinner on the porch, this casserole never failed to bring everyone to the table.
This recipe is a nod to that tradition—a dish that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and adaptable to any season.
🕒 Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 7
- Cuisine: American
- Best for: Summer & Winter
🍽️ Ingredients for Classic Ground Beef Casserole
🥩 Ground Beef and Flavor Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
🧀 Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
🧀 Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Step-by-Step
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant. Drain excess fat.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the beef mixture, and half the creamy mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set.
🧡 Why This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Works
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches ingredients.
- Versatile: Works with any pasta or cheese you have on hand.
- Crowd-pleaser: Hearty and satisfying for both kids and adults.
- Year-round favorite: Just as comforting in winter as it is easy to prep for summer potlucks.
🧁 Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
- Swap the pasta: Try penne, ziti, or egg noodles for a twist.
- Make ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Add veggies: Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Go spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
🌿 Variations to Try
- Tex-Mex Style: Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a cheddar blend.
- Low-carb version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- One-skillet hack: Cook pasta directly in the meat sauce with extra broth for fewer dishes.
🥶 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap casserole tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
🧂 Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with: A crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- Drink it with: A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Top it off: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
💬 Your Turn: Make It Yours
Have you made this ground beef casserole yet? Tried a twist of your own? Share your variations, tips, or even photos in the comments below—I love hearing how these comfort classics take on new life in your kitchen!