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Ground Beef Casserole is a classic family-friendly dinner packed with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and lots of gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy weeknight meal made with simple pantry staples that comes together in under an hour.
If you love hearty casserole recipes, be sure to try my Cowboy Casserole Recipe and Dorito Chicken Casserole too!
Why you’ll love this ground beef casserole recipe!
This cheesy ground beef casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and always a hit with both kids and adults.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are similar to spaghetti, making it a meal even picky eaters enjoy.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and bake when you’re ready.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying for busy weeknights.
(Try one of these 20+ Ground Beef Pasta Recipes to Make This Week too!)
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Elbow macaroni noodles – Classic pasta that holds the sauce perfectly.
- Onion – A standard yellow onion is perfect!
- Ground beef – Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Garlic – You can add more garlic if you like your casseroles extra garlicky!
- Marinara sauce – Tomato sauce can be used instead, but marinara is much more flavorful in a hamburger casserole.
- Cheddar cheese – If you have the time, grate this from the block instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. It melts better that way!
Variations
- Try a different type of cheese, like mozzarella or an Italian blend. You can also add some Parmesan to the noodle-and-beef mixture.
- Use another pasta shape. Rotini and shells work well!
- Add in some vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, or stir a bag of baby spinach into the ground beef mixture.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the onions until softened, then add the ground beef and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble: Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture and bring to a simmer. Combine the pasta, beef mixture, and 1½ cups of cheese in the prepared baking dish. Stir well and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Ground beef casserole will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake at 350ºF until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. It’s also delicious alongside Caesar salad or a basket of warm yeast dinner rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Season it generously, cook it over medium-high heat for browning, and avoid overcooking to keep it tender and flavorful.
For more beef casserole recipes, try my Sloppy Joe Casserole, Chili Cornbread Casserole, John Wayne Casserole, or Taco Casserole.
When raw ground beef turns gray or brown on the outside, it’s usually because it’s starting to spoil. If the ground beef has a slimy texture or a sour smell, it should not be eaten. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re in doubt, throw it out!
Yes, you can cook ground beef from frozen, but it’s not ideal, as it takes a lot more time and the result is drier and less flavorful.
More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love
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Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni noodles
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan over high heat, add the oil and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and garlic and cook until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking the meat up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season to taste. Add the pasta, 1 ½ cheese and sauce to the prepared baking dish. Toss to mix. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
- Drain excess grease from the beef before adding the sauce.
- Add extra vegetables to boost nutrition.
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time for easy meal prep.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Use a quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
