The smell of browned beef and melted cheese bubbling in a warm dishthat’s the kind of kitchen moment that makes everything feel right again. Ground beef casserole is one of those dishes that wraps you up without asking much in return.
I made this on a Tuesday last spring when I was completely wiped out and still craving something that felt like a real dinner. It comes together in one dish, the flavors meld beautifully while it bakes, and honestlyit saved the whole evening. After years of tinkering with casseroles, I’ve learned that browning the beef well and seasoning each layer makes all the difference between bland and deeply comforting.
PrintGround Beef Casserole Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
This ground beef casserole is an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. It makes a delicious family dinner with simple casserole ingredients for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked penne
- 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
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400F and position the rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne for 10 minutes until just underdone.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil then cook the ground beef and chopped onion for around 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart. Add the minced garlic midway and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce, warm the mixture through and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer to the baking dish. Combine the beef mixture with the pasta. Spread shredded cheddar cheese evenly atop. For extra cheesiness, mix in an additional half cup of cheese before topping.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the top. Serve hot.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Why You’ll Love This One
This is one of those reliable weeknight wins that gets you back into a rhythm. It’s hearty without feeling heavy, uses pantry staples you probably already have, and doesn’t ask you to chop a mountain of vegetables or juggle complicated techniques.
- One dish, minimal cleanup: After the initial stovetop browning, everything goes into one baking dishso you’re not stuck scrubbing five pots later.
- Flexible and forgiving: You can swap the pasta shape, adjust the cheese, or sneak in extra veggies without throwing the whole thing off balance.
- Feeds a crowd: Six servings means leftovers for lunch or an easy night off later in the week.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
The beauty here is simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role without demanding much from you.
- Lean ground beef: Browns beautifully and brings that savory richness. If you prefer turkey or chicken, go for it.
- Penne pasta: Holds onto the marinara and cheese. Rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work just as well.
- Marinara sauce: Adds tomato sweetness and ties everything together. Use your favorite jar or homemade if you have it.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into golden, bubbling comfort. Mozzarella or a cheddar-mozz blend are great swaps.
- Onion and garlic: A quick sauté builds flavor from the ground up.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | Ziti, rigatoni, or rotini |
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or chicken |
| Cheddar cheese | Mozzarella or Italian blend |
| Marinara sauce | Your favorite pasta sauce or homemade |
How to Make It
Start by cooking your pasta just shy of tenderabout 10 minutes in salted boiling water. While that’s going, brown the ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. Stir in the minced garlic toward the end, then mix in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Drain the pasta and toss it into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over top and stir everything together until it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar across the surfaceif you want it extra cheesy, stir in a little more before topping.
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. For a golden finish, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Timing Breakdown
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Boil pasta | 10 minutes |
| Brown beef & onion | 10 minutes |
| Assemble casserole | 5 minutes |
| Bake | 10 minutes |
| Optional broil | 2–3 minutes |
| Total | 35 minutes |
Little Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
After testing this more times than I can count, a few small adjustments really elevate the flavors and texture.
- Brown the beef well: Don’t rush this stepgetting a little color on the meat adds depth.
- Season each layer: Taste the beef mixture before you assemble and adjust the salt and pepper. Underseasoned beef won’t magically fix itself in the oven.
- Slightly undercook the pasta: It finishes cooking in the oven, so al dente (or even a touch firmer) keeps it from turning mushy.
- Add extra cheese inside: Stirring in half a cup before topping creates pockets of melty goodness throughout.
Serving and Storing
Serve this straight from the oven with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but a little crunch or green freshness balances things out nicely.
Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. The flavors deepen overnight, so day-two casserole is honestly just as goodif not better.
| Storage | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Covered, up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Wrap tightly, up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Microwave or 350°F oven until warm |
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FAQs ( Ground Beef Casserole )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What type of ground beef works best?
85/15 ground beef is ideal for this dish – it provides great flavor without being too greasy. If using 80/20, drain the fat well after browning. Avoid 93/7 or leaner as the dish may turn out dry. The fat content helps keep the meat tender during baking.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove to allow browning during the final 10-15 minutes. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent with foil again. Position your oven rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution.
Can I freeze leftover portions?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Diced bell peppers, corn, green beans, or zucchini work wonderfully. Add them during the browning stage with the onions so they soften properly. Frozen vegetables should be thawed and drained first to prevent excess moisture in the final dish.
This ground beef casserole comes together in about 35 minutes and tastes like a warm hug after a long day. The beef gets savory and rich, the cheese melts into every corner, and the pasta soaks up all that flavor. You’ll love how it turns outgolden on top, tender inside, and deeply satisfying without any fuss.
If you want a little extra richness, stir in a handful of sour cream with the marinara before baking. Leftover veggies like bell peppers or zucchini fold right in without changing the timing. I learned from my aunt’s kitchen that adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef makes the whole dish taste more interesting. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 daysthey reheat beautifully and honestly taste even better the next day.
I’d love to know how this turns out in your kitchendid you sneak in any fun ingredients or pair it with something unexpected? If this recipe brings back memories of your own comfort food nights, share a photo or tag a friend who needs an easy win this week. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
