Ground Beef Casserole

 

When the day is long, the family is hungry, and you need a satisfying, no-fuss meal that comes together with pantry staples, this Ground Beef Casserole is your saving grace. More than just a recipe, it's a hearty, comforting hug in a baking dish—a nostalgic, all-in-one meal where savory ground beef, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables unite under a golden, bubbly cheese blanket. It's the definition of reliable comfort food, guaranteed to fill bellies, warm hearts, and leave you with just one pan to wash.

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Why This Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

• One-Dish Simplicity: Brown, mix, bake, and serve—all in the same skillet or baking dish for maximum flavor and minimum cleanup.

• Customizable Canvas: Use whatever pasta, cheese, or veggies you have on hand. It's endlessly adaptable.

• Feeds a Crowd (or Future You): Makes a generous 9x13 pan perfect for big families or planned leftovers that reheat beautifully.

• Universal Appeal: Loved by both picky kids and hungry adults alike.

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Ingredients: The Pantry-Powered Dream Team

For the Savory Base:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar Marinara Sauce or 3 cups homemade

• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained

• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

For the Hearty Body:

• 12 oz Pasta (elbow, rotini, penne, or shells), cooked al dente

• 2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

• 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

For the Optional Crispy Topping:

• ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter

• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped

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The Method: Effortless, Flavor-Packed Layers

Phase 1: Build the Flavor Foundation

1. Brown the Beef: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Season & Simmer: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Phase 2: Assemble the Casserole

3. Combine: To the skillet (or transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish), add the cooked pasta and frozen vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated in sauce.

4. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.

Phase 3: The Golden-Brown Bake

5. Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix panko, parmesan, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese.

6. Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden.

Phase 4: The Perfect Rest

7. Cool & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly for perfect scooping.

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Pro-Tips for Casserole Mastery

• Undercook the Pasta: Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions. It will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing sauce without becoming mushy.

• Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy final dish.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

• Freezer Friendly: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating, covered, at 350°F until hot throughout.

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Serving Your Hearty Masterpiece

This casserole is a complete meal. Serve it with:

• A simple green salad with Italian dressing.

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping.

• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color.

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Conclusion: The Dinner That Never Lets You Down

Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate dependable dinner. It's nourishing, deeply satisfying, and built on the kind of simple, honest ingredients that make a house feel like a home. It's proof that the most beloved family meals aren't complicated—they're just made with care.

So, brown that beef, boil that pasta, and get ready for the easiest, most reliable dinner win of your week.