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
Scale
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.
