Ground Beef Casserole
This easy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with beef, pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 2 cups cooked pasta elbow, penne, or your favorite shape
- 1 can 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chopped onions optional
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers optional
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the veggies (if using): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in pasta: Add cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize: Add spinach, zucchini, or swap beef for ground turkey.