Ground Beef Casserole

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🍲 Ground Beef Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

There’s something timeless about a good casserole — hearty, satisfying, and filled with flavor. The Ground Beef Casserole stands as one of the best in this category. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, this dish brings together tender beef, creamy sauce, pasta, and melted cheese in one comforting bake. Let’s dive into how to make this classic step by step!

🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare a traditional and delicious Ground Beef Casserole, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

🥄 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the water, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue to soften in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Next, add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Optional: Add minced garlic halfway through for extra aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Once the beef is cooked, pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

For a bolder taste, you can add a dash of chili flakes or Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, combine sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended. This layer gives the casserole a rich, creamy texture and helps balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.