Have you ever had one of those days when all you want is something warm, comforting, and absolutely scrumptious? Well, let me tell you, I have a cozy little secret that’ll just blow your mind! This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is not only delightful but super easy to whip up! Perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual weekend feast, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate! So, let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I start? This casserole is packed with flavor, comfort, and all the good vibes! It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it comes together in a snap! You get perfectly cooked pasta, savory beef, and a delectable marinara sauce all topped with a golden layer of melty cheddar. Yum! And the best part? You’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day, if you can manage to save any!
How to make Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s dive into this easy-peasy recipe that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients for Simple Ground Beef Casserole:
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (I use Pam spray).
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne. Cook it for 10 minutes (it should be slightly underdone so it doesn’t get mushy).
- Add the oil, beef, and onion to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go along, for about 10 minutes. Once it’s sizzling, stir in the garlic. Spoon out excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and warm it through. Give it a taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
- Drain the pasta and pour it into the baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over top and then toss until it’s beautifully combined with the pasta. Top with an even layer of cheese. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, you can stir in an additional half cup of cheese prior to the topping!
- Bake for 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is all melty and delicious. I like to broil it for a few minutes (optional) to get a little browning on that cheese. Serve immediately, and watch everyone dig in with pure joy!
What to Serve With Simple Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is lovely all on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top adds a delightful pop of color and flavor, too!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Want to prep ahead of time? No problem! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Simple Ground Beef Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to cook it just a tad underdone since it will continue to cook while baking.
- Layer the Cheese: For that ahh-mazing cheesy goodness, don’t be shy with the cheese!
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to swap out marinara for your favorite pasta sauce for a fun twist!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Looking to mix things up? You can totally swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients! And if you’re gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or load it up with your favorite veggies like zucchini and spinach!
How long does it take to bake if I prepare it ahead of time?
If you’ve assembled it in advance and stored it in the fridge, it might take an extra 5–10 minutes of baking time, so just keep an eye on that cheese!
And there you have it, my lovely friends—a Simple Ground Beef Casserole that’s sure to impress and satisfy! Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Happy eating!
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and comforting ground beef casserole with pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne. Cook it for 10 minutes.
- Add the oil, beef, and onion to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, then stir in the garlic.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and warm it through. Season with salt & pepper.
- Drain the pasta and pour it into the baking dish. Add the beef mixture and toss until combined. Top with an even layer of cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, and broil for a few minutes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg