Description
This comforting Ground Beef Casserole combines savory browned beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a hearty family meal. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s an easy one-dish dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them together for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Simmer with tomato sauce and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook pasta: While the beef mixture is simmering, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine pasta with sour cream and cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a creamy base layer for the casserole.
- Assemble casserole layers: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Layer the simmered beef mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta mixture, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps set the layers for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor variation.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms.
