Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

There is something wonderfully comforting about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, especially when it is packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is an easy, hearty dinner that brings together simple pantry ingredients in one satisfying dish.

The beef is browned until flavorful, then combined with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. Cooked pasta is folded into the mixture before everything is topped with a generous layer of cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. The result is a cozy meal with a savory filling, creamy texture, and plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This recipe is especially useful when you want a filling homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses familiar ingredients, is easy to prepare ahead of time, and can be adapted with whatever vegetables, seasonings, or cheese you have available.

The combination of seasoned beef and creamy tomato sauce gives the casserole plenty of flavor, while the cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping as it bakes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces short pasta, such as elbow macaroni or rotini
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.

Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once finished, drain it well and set it aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink.

If there is a large amount of excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it. Leaving a small amount behind can help keep the meat flavorful.

3. Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

4. Build the Beef Sauce

Stir the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the beef mixture.

Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes.

This short simmer gives the beef time to absorb the tomato and herb flavors.

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