“It’s been a long day, and the last thing on my mind is cooking. As I rummage through the pantry, my thoughts drift to the comforting embrace of a Homemade Ground Beef Casserole. This dish is a true lifesaver, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal that brings the family together. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, cheesy pasta number that not only soothes the soul but also delights the taste buds. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to break away from the fast-food rut. As the cheesy goodness bubbles in the oven, I can’t help but wonder: what special twists would you add to make it your own?” Why Is This Casserole a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a delicious Homemade Ground Beef Casserole that the whole family will adore. Comforting: Nothing says “home” like a warm, cheesy meal that satisfies the soul. Versatile Options: Customize this dish by swapping out pasta shapes or adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Flavor Explosion: The blend of seasoned ground beef, marinara, and gooey cheese delivers a mouthwatering taste experience. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with an easy Caesar salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Dive into this delightful dinner and discover how it can transform your weeknight cooking! Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients For the Pasta • Penne Pasta – This serves as a hearty base; ensure to cook it al dente to keep the texture just right. For the Beef Mixture • Olive Oil – Adds richness; feel free to substitute with butter for a different flavor. • Ground Beef – Provides the star protein; opt for 85/15 for perfect juiciness and flavor. • Onion (finely diced) – Brings sweet depth to the dish; don’t skip this essential ingredient! • Garlic (minced) – Infuses a wonderful aroma; sauté carefully to prevent burning. For the Sauce • Marinara Sauce (2 cups) – The tangy glue of the casserole; consider Rao’s Homemade for a premium taste. • Salt & Black Pepper – These staples enhance your flavors; season to your preference. For the Topping • Cheddar Cheese (shredded; 2 cups) – Melts beautifully on top for a gooey finish; feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a lighter twist. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and take a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures that your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole will come out smoothly when it’s ready to serve. Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients While the oven heats up, finely dice one onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves. If you’re using block cheddar cheese, shred about 2 cups to get that perfect gooey topping. Preparing these ingredients ahead of time will make each step flow smoothly as you create this comforting casserole. Step 3: Boil the Pasta In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 7-8 minutes until it reaches al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is the foundation of your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole, so make sure not to overcook it. Step 4: Cook the Beef and Aromatics In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the ground beef. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up until browned and fully cooked. The combination of beef and onion gives your casserole a hearty flavor. Step 5: Add Garlic and Season Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. This is the magic moment when your kitchen fills with a delicious aroma! Now, pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture Drain excess fat if necessary, then carefully combine the drained pasta with the beef mixture in your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s evenly mixed. This ensures that every bite of your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole is packed with flavor and texture. Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and beef mixture generously. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; the cheese should melt and bubble, turning a lovely golden color to create that irresistible topping. Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 2-3 minutes. This brief resting time allows the layers to settle, making it easier to serve. Dish up portions of your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole and watch as your family digs into this satisfying meal! Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Variations Feel free to get creative with your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole and make it truly yours with these delightful twists! Different Pasta Shapes: Try using rotini or rigatoni for a fun bite. Each shape holds the sauce and cheese differently, giving unique textures with every forkful. Cheesy Swaps: Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend for a creamier texture. Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate your casserole to a new level of yumminess! Veggie Boost: Add in fresh veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. It not only enhances the taste but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your meal. Herb Infusion: Mix in Italian herbs like oregano or basil for an aromatic lift. This will transport your taste buds to Italy with every delicious bite! Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’s a simple way to spice things up and make your casserole sing with excitement. Creamy Addition: Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream into the beef mixture for an extra creamy texture. This twist adds richness that complements the tangy marinara beautifully! Sautéed Add-ins: Before combining with the pasta, sauté some zucchini or carrots in the skillet. This not only adds flavor but also gives your casserole a slight crunch! For more delicious ideas, check out my Mongolian Ground Beef for a different flavor profile or whip up some Ground Beef Lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Enjoy your cooking adventure! How to Store and Freeze Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Fridge: Cool leftovers promptly and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps the casserole fresh and ready for a quick meal! Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking or as cooked portions. It stays good for up to 3 months—perfect for those busy weeknights! Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of marinara sauce if needed to retain moisture. Thawing: If frozen, remember to thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole will taste just as delightful! Expert Tips for Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Pasta Perfection: Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente; overcooking can lead to mushy noodles in your casserole. Meat Management: Drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef; this helps prevent your casserole from being greasy. Gentle Mixing: Use a gentle folding technique to combine the pasta and beef mixture; harsh stirring can break the delicate pasta. Cheese Control: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking. If it browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning. Flavor Variations: Customize your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole by adding fresh herbs or swapping out pasta shapes for fun twists! What to Serve With Homemade Ground Beef Casserole The perfect side dishes can elevate your casserole experience from good to unforgettable, making dinner a heartfelt occasion. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors of the casserole perfectly. The zesty dressing and crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the creamy beef and pasta. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is iconic for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce in your casserole. Its crispy crust and soft, savory inside create a mouthwatering balance with each bite. Roasted Vegetables: Bright, roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring a sweet, caramelized flavor to your meal. Their vibrant colors and textures create a beautiful plate that’s both nutritious and delicious. Steamed Broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli is a simple yet effective way to introduce greens into your meal. The subtle bitterness of the broccoli contrasts well with the casserole’s richness, providing a delightful balance. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with classic chocolate chip cookies. Their gooey, comforting texture pairs beautifully with the warmth of the casserole, making it the perfect way to round out your dinner. Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Serve up a tall glass of sweet tea or refreshing lemonade for a comforting drink that complements the hearty flavors of your casserole. Their sweetness cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable. Make Ahead Options These Homemade Ground Beef Casserole preparations are a real time-saver for busy weeknights! You can cook the penne pasta and brown the ground beef mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them separately. To maintain the casserole’s quality, allow the pasta and beef to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the components in your greased dish, top with cheese, and bake for about 10 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven until the cheese is gooey and golden. This way, you’ll savor the same comforting flavors of your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole with minimal effort! Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to choose ripe ingredients for this casserole? Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, ensure the ground beef is bright red with no dark spots or off-putting odor—this indicates freshness. For the onions, look for smooth, unblemished skins without soft spots. Fresh garlic should be firm, dry, and free from any sprouting. How should I store leftovers from the casserole? After enjoying your delicious Homemade Ground Beef Casserole, cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember, it’s best to let them cool to room temperature before sealing them away! Can I freeze the casserole, and if so, how? Very! You can freeze your Homemade Ground Beef Casserole before baking or after it’s cooked. To freeze it uncooked, assemble the casserole in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. If you prefer to freeze it after baking, let it cool completely, then portion it into servings or freeze the entire dish. Just be sure to label with the date! What should I do if my casserole turns out too dry or greasy? No worries! If your casserole is dry, it might be due to overcooking. For next time, make sure to watch the baking time closely. Add a splash of marinara or some broth to keep moisture levels up. If it’s greasy, simply drain excess fat after cooking the beef before mixing it with the pasta and sauce in the casserole. Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies? Definitely! If you’re preparing this delicious Homemade Ground Beef Casserole, make sure to keep it away from your furry friends, as onions and garlic can be toxic to pets. For allergies, always double-check for allergens in your marinara sauce, cheese, or any other additives you may want to include. There are many lactose-free cheese options available if dairy is a concern for you! Cozy Up with Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Tonight Enjoy a comforting Homemade Ground Beef Casserole, perfect for family dinners and packed with delicious flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 3 minutes minsTotal Time 38 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 ounces Penne Pasta Cook al denteFor the Beef Mixture1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can substitute with butter1 pound Ground Beef Opt for 85/15 for juiciness1 medium Onion (finely diced) Essential ingredient2 cloves Garlic (minced) Sauté carefullyFor the Sauce2 cups Marinara Sauce Consider Rao's for premium tasteto taste Salt & Black Pepper Season to preferenceFor the Topping2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded) Can substitute with mozzarella Equipment Ovenlarge potlarge skillet9x13 inch baking dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.Finely dice one onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves. Shred about 2 cups of cheddar cheese.In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion, and cook until softened. Then add ground beef and cook until browned.Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.Combine drained pasta with the beef mixture in the baking dish and fold together gently.Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for about 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg NotesEnsure you cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness in the casserole. Customize with fresh herbs or different pasta shapes for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
