Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

When you need a hearty, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect choice. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this comforting casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

The best part? It comes together with simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep, making it a reliable recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare in under an hour
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Made with affordable ingredients
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Colander
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

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How to Make Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Stir in the cooked pasta, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole

• Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Drain excess fat from the beef for a lighter casserole.
• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices more easily.

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Delicious Variations

Add Vegetables

Boost nutrition by mixing in:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Peas

Spice It Up

Add a little heat with:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Jalapeños
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce

Different Cheeses

Try using:

• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack
• Colby Jack
• Gouda
• Parmesan

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What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole

Complete your meal with:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted green beans
• Caesar salad
• Dinner rolls
• Mixed vegetables

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Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Reheating Instructions

Oven

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwave

Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken works well as a leaner alternative.

What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, shells, or rigatoni all hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months for quick future meals.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and packed with flavor. With tender pasta, seasoned beef, creamy tomato sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, stocking the freezer with make-ahead meals, or feeding a crowd, this casserole delivers satisfying results every time. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal everyone will love.