Casserole with Ground Beef
Hearty, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—this casserole with ground beef is a comfort food classic made simple. Great for weeknights, leftovers, or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for richer flavor
- 2 cups elbow pasta uncooked
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine beef mixture with cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or seasonings. This casserole is forgiving and flexible—perfect for cleaning out the fridge or prepping meals ahead.