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If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in a flash, this Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender penne pasta mingling with savory sautéed ground beef and onions, all wrapped up in a luscious marinara sauce and crowned with bubbly, golden cheddar cheese. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, and best of all, it’s incredibly straightforward to make without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe shines through their perfect harmony. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound uncooked penne: The pasta provides the hearty base that soaks up all the delicious saucy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for that perfect savory foundation.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein that gives the casserole its meaty, satisfying bite.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that balances the beef beautifully.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a subtle zing and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce: This tangy tomato sauce ties everything together with a bright and comforting touch.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating every element of the dish.
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden topping that makes every bite utterly irresistible.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the oven rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of oil to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it for about 10 minutes, just shy of fully done, so it holds up during baking without turning mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart as you cook. After about 10 minutes, when the beef is nicely browned and onions softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce and Seasoning
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir to combine. Let it warm through and then taste it, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef, Then Add Cheese
Transfer the drained pasta to your prepared baking dish. Pour the meaty sauce over the pasta and gently toss until everything is evenly mixed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer. For extra cheesiness, feel free to mix an additional half cup of cheddar into the pasta mixture before topping.
Step 6: Bake and Broil for the Perfect Finish
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a gooey, mouthwatering blanket. For a golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for a few minutes—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the casserole. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A slice of crusty garlic bread also pairs beautifully, perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering the casserole in a clear glass dish to showcase the vibrant, cheesy layers, making your Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe as delightful visually as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option that still tastes fresh and satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Pop the cooled casserole into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating without sacrificing texture or taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. For a speedier option, the microwave works well too—just cover the dish to lock in moisture and prevent dryness, reheating in short bursts for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly due to its shape and texture, other pasta types like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle can be great substitutes and add some variety to the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the regular penne for a gluten-free pasta, and make sure your marinara sauce is free from any gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the beef sauté step can boost nutrition and bring extra flavor and texture to this simple ground beef casserole recipe.
How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey can help reduce fat content. Also, opt for a lighter cheese or reduce the amount used without sacrificing that irresistible cheesy finish.
What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?
Broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking does the trick wonderfully. Just watch closely as cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm casserole that combines hearty goodness with simple ingredients—this Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy dinner to enjoy throughout the week, this dish brings flavor, comfort, and smiles to the table every time. Give it a try soon and prepare to fall in love with this all-time favorite!
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef sautéed with garlic and onion, all combined with rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic meat and cheese pasta bake.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked penne
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: additional 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness after baking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for 10 minutes until beef is browned and onions are softened. Stir in minced garlic partway through cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add sauce and season: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and warm through. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Transfer the cooked penne to the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Optionally stir in an extra half cup of shredded cheese for those who want it cheesier.
- Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Optionally, broil for a few minutes afterwards to achieve a browned, crispy cheese topping. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in boiling water; it should be slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Draining excess fat from the sautéed beef helps reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- Adjust seasoning after adding marinara sauce to balance flavors perfectly.
- For a more indulgent casserole, stir extra cheese into the beef and pasta mix before topping with additional cheese.
- Broiling to brown the cheese is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
