A Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe combines ground beef with pasta, vegetables, and a creamy or cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. Here’s a classic version:
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work well)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, frozen corn (if using), and sour cream or cream cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Serving Suggestions: This casserole goes well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Would you like to explore different ingredients or another variation?