Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort meal to gather the family around the table? This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner brings together tender pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, creamy layers, and bubbling golden cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of nostalgic dish you turn to when you want heartiness with a touch of home-cooked magic, ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime the craving for a cozy classic strikes. Simple ingredients and old-fashioned flavor make this dinner a guaranteed favorite for kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole is thoughtfully chosen for maximum comfort and flavor, with no unnecessary fuss. These market staples come together to create a balanced dish boasting savory, creamy, and cheesy notes that are downright irresistible.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Opt for lean ground beef for less grease and that rich, meaty bite that’s the heart of this casserole.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Sweet and savory, onions add depth and blend beautifully into the beef mixture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for robust flavor—freshly minced garlic will really wake up the other spices.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer from the sauce to the pasta.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a tiny kick to the sauce without overwhelming the palate.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This fragrant blend brings a subtle herby note to the casserole.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Forms a rich, saucy base that hugs the macaroni and beef.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, drained): These juicy chunks brighten up the casserole with tang and extra texture.
- Cooked elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic pasta shape for casseroles—be sure it’s cooked just until al dente!
- Sour cream (1 cup): This unexpected layer adds luscious creaminess and tang that makes every bite crave-worthy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Sharp cheddar turns melty, golden, and stringy for a decadent finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Mozzarella brings irresistible stretch and extra cheesiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing your aromatics and ensuring nothing sticks in the skillet.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they’re translucent and just starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another quick 30 seconds, letting that heavenly aroma fill your kitchen—it’s the flavor foundation for the whole dish!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, crumble in your ground beef, sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon for bite-sized beefy pieces. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it—no one likes a greasy casserole. This step builds that signature savory taste for your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, stirring to fully combine. Let everything simmer for about 5–7 minutes so the flavors can get nice and cozy together. The sauce will thicken slightly and take on those incredible savory and tangy notes that make this casserole so memorable.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Sour Cream
While your sauce simmers, place the cooked elbow macaroni in a large bowl and fold in the sour cream. This creamy trick coats each noodle, making sure every forkful is perfectly tangy and tender. Then, stir in your beef and tomato mixture until everything is deliciously combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your pasta-beef mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top until you have a thick, even layer that will melt and brown during baking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden, gooey, and inviting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, if you like a pop of color and a hint of herby freshness, scatter chopped parsley on top. Let it sit for a few minutes to set, then gather everyone and serve up generous, steamy scoops of your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner.
How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or even a little extra cheddar brings brightness and appeal to your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chives for a subtle kick and gorgeous color.
Side Dishes
This dish is a standout main all on its own, but consider partnering it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, crisp roasted green beans, or even buttery garlic bread to sop up any saucy goodness left on your plate. A chilled cucumber salad or steamed broccoli makes for a lighter counterpoint if you want to balance out this cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or portion-controlled meal prep. For a casual family buffet, keep the casserole warm in the oven and serve with a “top-your-own” bar: extra shredded cheese, hot sauce, or crushed crackers are all fair game. This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner looks especially inviting when served family-style right out of the bubbling baking dish—center stage on the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, let your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld even more overnight, making next-day servings extra delicious!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal planning. Wrap the cooled, unbaked or baked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store portions in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the refrigerated casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual servings can be microwaved in 60-second bursts, stirring occasionally. If your casserole was previously frozen, allow it to thaw before baking for best results.
FAQs
Can I substitute another meat for the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey and ground chicken both work well and lighten up the dish, while maintaining the satisfying taste and texture you love in a Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner. Just be sure to season well, as leaner meats can be milder in flavor.
What veggies can I add to the casserole?
Customize your casserole by mixing in sautéed bell peppers, baby spinach, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini. Stir any extra vegetables into the meat mixture along with the tomatoes for extra color, nutrition, and a pop of freshness.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Double-check the labels on your tomato products and seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free, and prepare the recipe as directed.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture as it simmers. Taste as you go, and adjust the spice level to your family’s preferences!
Can I prepare Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time for dinner, add a few extra baking minutes to account for the cold start, and enjoy a stress-free, hot meal with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving classic comfort with simple ingredients and big flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner. It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely made for sharing—so gather your family or friends and dig in. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine!
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Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family meal. It features seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a cheesy topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook beef mixture: Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked macaroni with sour cream, then combine with beef mixture. Spread in a baking dish.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add cooked vegetables for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
