Ground Beef Casserole

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Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting Family Dinner Made Simple

Ground Beef Casserole is one of those timeless meals that brings comfort to the dinner table with minimal effort. Combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal preparation. The beauty of a casserole lies in its simplicity—everything comes together in one baking dish, creating layers of flavor that are satisfying and filling.

This recipe produces a savory casserole with a golden, bubbly cheese topping and a deliciously rich interior that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup beef broth
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cheeses if using freshly grated cheese. Having everything ready before cooking will help the process move smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until it is just shy of al dente, usually one to two minutes less than the package instructions recommend.

Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking it prevents it from becoming mushy later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.