Easy Ground Beef Casserole (Ready in 45 Minutes!)

Name: Easy Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend); 2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction: Weeknight Comfort in One Dish

After testing dozens of versions in my restaurant kitchens, I’ve perfected this ultimate ground beef casserole that’s:

Faster than takeout (just 45 minutes start-to-finish)
More flavorful (thanks to a chef’s seasoning trick)
Budget-friendly (feeds 6 for about $12)
Kid-approved but gourmet enough for guests

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this recipe is your new one-pan wonder. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Beats Others

✔ No soggy pasta – Precooking method prevents mushiness
✔ Customizable (5 delicious variations below)
✔ Meal prep champion (freezes beautifully)
✔ One-dish cleanup – Less time washing, more time relaxing

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Ground beef	1.5 lbs	80/20 blend for flavor
Elbow pasta	2 cups	Uncooked
Onion	1 medium	Diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Diced tomatoes	1 can (14oz)	With juices
Tomato paste	2 tbsp	For depth
Beef broth	1 cup	Low-sodium preferred
Cheddar cheese	2 cups	Shredded
Italian seasoning	1 tbsp

Pro Tip: Brown beef in batches for better texture – no steaming!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Cook in batches over medium-high heat
Remove and drain, leave 1 tbsp fat

2. Build Flavor

Sauté onion in beef fat 3 mins
Add garlic + tomato paste (cook 1 min)
Deglaze with broth

3. Assemble & Bake

Layer: pasta → beef → tomatoes → sauce
Top with cheese
Bake covered 30 mins at 375°F
Uncover, broil 2 mins

4. Chef’s Presentation Tip

For Instagram-worthy casseroles:

Garnish with fresh parsley
Let rest 10 mins before serving
Serve with crusty bread

5 Game-Changing Variations

Mexican – Add taco seasoning + corn
Italian – Swap cheese for mozzarella + basil
Low-Carb – Zucchini noodles instead of pasta
Spicy – Jalapeños + pepper jack cheese
Breakfast – Add eggs + hash browns

Close-up of ground beef casserole slice showing layers of pasta, beef, and gooey cheese — The ultimate one-pan dinner! Kid-approved and meal prep friendly.

Storage & Reheating

✔ Fridge: 4 days (cover tightly)
✔ Freezer: 3 months (thaw overnight)
✔ Reheat: 350°F for 20 mins with splash of broth

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/6 of recipe):

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 32g
Fiber: 3g

FAQs

What kind of casseroles can you make with ground beef?

Ground beef works wonderfully in:
✔ Classic: Like this recipe with pasta and cheese
✔ Mexican: Taco-style with beans and corn
✔ Italian: With marinara and mozzarella
✔ Breakfast: With eggs and hash browns
✔ Low-carb: Using cauliflower instead of pasta

What are the benefits of casserole?

Casseroles are ideal because they:
Save time (one-dish cooking)
Stretch ingredients (feeds crowds cheaply)
Freeze well for meal prep
Combine food groups (protein, carbs, veggies)
Minimize cleanup (just one pan!)

Is casserole beef tender?

Yes! When cooked properly:
Brown beef in batches (prevents steaming)
Bake covered (keeps moisture in)
Use 80/20 ground beef (fat = flavor + tenderness)

How long can a ground beef casserole sit out?

Maximum 2 hours at room temperature. For food safety:
→ Refrigerate within 1 hour if kitchen is warm
→ Reheat to 165°F before serving leftovers

Is casserole good for cooking?

Absolutely! Casseroles are perfect for:
Busy weeknights (make-ahead friendly)
Feeding crowds (easily doubles/triples)
Using leftovers (great for ingredient swaps)
Beginner cooks (hard to mess up!)