If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, loving hug from the oven, look no further than this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, cheesy, and comforting, bringing together simple ingredients you likely already have, yet delivering a deeply satisfying meal that your whole family will adore. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this casserole wraps up all the flavors you love in one delightful, bubbling dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a breeze because each item plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant colors that make this casserole so special.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant, bold hint that complements the beef.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Brings a smooth, tangy tomato undertone that holds everything together.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained): Adds chunky texture and fresh tomato bursts throughout.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick to keep it lively.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): Provides the filling, tender base that carries the sauce and beef effortlessly.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings creamy tanginess and moisture to unite every bite.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of classic, sharp cheese flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness to the cheesy topping.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Injects a fresh, green pop that brightens the plate visually and in flavor.
How to Make Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cook the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish; this ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a cinch. Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns tender, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat so your casserole won’t be greasy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release that wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper right into the beef mixture. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so all those flavors can mingle and deepen. This step is where your homemade taste really starts to shine.
Step 3: Combine with Pasta and Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the cooked pasta and sour cream. The sour cream is key here—it makes the dish creamy and luscious without being heavy, coating every bite just right.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the beef and pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top to create a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust once baked. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until you see the cheese melted, bubbly, and lightly golden—this is when the dish reaches its peak comfort food status.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like a bit of herbaceous brightness. Serve warm and get ready for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is a simple way to add color and freshness that balances the richness of the casserole. You can also add a dash of grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if you want an added layer of flavor or some subtle heat.
Side Dishes
To round out this satisfyingly filling dish, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their freshness and slight crunch will complement the creamy, cheesy texture perfectly, balancing out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply make dinner feel more special, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This adds a charming personal touch and makes the cheesy top layer look even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance or save some for a later date, this casserole freezes beautifully. Freeze it before baking in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil and a plastic layer. It will keep well for up to 3 months and can be baked straight from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps maintain that lovely, melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or rotini work great because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use shells, penne, or even bowtie pasta—any shape that captures bits of beef and sauce works wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version. Keep the seasonings and cheese the same to keep the essence of this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe intact.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are fantastic additions that add nutrition and extra flavor. Just sauté them with the onions or mix them into the casserole before baking.
What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
The combination of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella gives you a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. You can experiment by adding Parmesan for a nuttier edge or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover the casserole with foil if baking for longer than recommended or during reheating to keep moisture locked in. Also, the sour cream in the mix helps keep the casserole creamy and prevents dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is like a trusty kitchen hug that everyone will ask for time and again. It’s easy, satisfying, and filled with simple ingredients that turn into something truly special. If comfort food is what you’re after, this casserole will never let you down—give it a try, and get ready to share some happy, cozy moments around your dinner table.
Print
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A comforting and cheesy Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, combined with pasta and creamy sour cream, then topped with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this hearty casserole makes an easy and family-friendly main course.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors well, then remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sour Cream: Stir the cooked pasta and sour cream into the beef and tomato mixture until everything is evenly coated and mixed thoroughly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking for convenience.
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or to bring to potlucks and gatherings.
