Easy Ground Beef Casserole for Quick and Cozy Dinners

If you’re looking for an easy ground beef casserole, you’re in the right place! This recipe is a family favorite that always brings back memories of cozy dinners at home. I remember one night when my son, Jake, declared this dish “the best ever” right before asking for seconds. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
• You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies.
• It’s hearty and filling, perfect for the whole family.

Pure Comfort

This ground beef casserole is pure comfort food. With layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, it warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it smells amazing while baking, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it’s ready.

What You Need

• 1 lb 1 lb ground beef – Use lean beef for a healthier option.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• 1 can 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Choose no-salt-added for a healthier dish.
• 1 cup 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Feel free to use fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
• 1 cup 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni – Any small pasta shape works well.
• 1 cup 1 cup beef broth – Low-sodium broth is a great alternative.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp Italian seasoning – You can substitute with dried oregano.
• 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when ready.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir it occasionally until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be nicely browned and fragrant.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then top it with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey layer on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t over-brown. Trust me; the wait will be worth it!
7. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
• If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Mix It Up

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty twist.
• Mix in some spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a refreshing side.
• Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
• A side of steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This easy ground beef casserole is perfect for quick and cozy dinners. It’s a dish that brings the family together and fills bellies with warmth and satisfaction. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a regular on your dinner table!

Easy Ground Beef Casserole for Quick and Cozy Dinners

This ground beef casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish with layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean beef for a healthier option.
• 1 large yellow onion diced; substitute with shallots for milder flavor
• 2 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder can work in a pinch
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes choose no-salt-added for healthier dish
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini can be used
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni any small pasta shape works well
• 1 cup beef broth low-sodium broth is a great alternative
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried oregano can be substituted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mozzarella or pepper jack can be used for different flavor

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• 9×13-inch baking dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onion is soft and translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer mixture to greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.