This cheesy ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich, melted cheese topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This recipe is a weeknight hero because it uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. The cheesy ground beef casserole bakes up golden and bubbly, creating a crust of melted cheddar that everyone craves. It’s also endlessly customizable—swap in different cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef is the star, but the cheese blend makes this dish unforgettable. You’ll need cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for maximum creaminess. Don’t forget the pasta—elbow macaroni or rotini work best to hold the sauce.
How to Make This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: Step-by-Step
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like Italian herbs and paprika. Cook the pasta separately until al dente, then combine everything in a baking dish.
Top generously with shredded cheese and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set. For a crunchy topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
- If using, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but note the texture may vary.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat in the oven for best results.
Why This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Works for Meal Prep
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeks. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. The cheesy ground beef casserole retains its creamy texture and bold flavor even after freezing.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort. For more easy dinner ideas, check out our collection of weeknight casseroles. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that your family will request again and again.
For additional tips on cooking ground beef safely, refer to the USDA guidelines on ground beef.
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