Classic Ground Beef Casserole – A Comfort Food Favorite That Never Fails!

Looking for an easy, comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table? This Classic Ground Beef Casserole is a family-approved meal packed with rich flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness — all baked into one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals. Bonus: it’s totally customizable to suit your cravings or what’s in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Simple pantry ingredients
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
Ready in under 1 hour
Great for leftovers or meal prep
Easily adaptable — make it spicy, creamy, low-carb, or veggie-loaded

Ingredients (Full List)

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini all work)
1 cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and sour cream. This adds a creamy, tangy layer that sets this casserole apart from the rest.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake It Up

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

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work great too.
Different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for variety.
Low-carb option: Substitute cooked zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for the pasta.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions

Want to make it ahead? Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil and bake at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

What to Serve With It?

Pair your casserole with:

A crisp green salad
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Roasted veggies or steamed broccoli
A bowl of soup for a cozy dinner combo

Final Thoughts

This Classic Ground Beef Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s comfort in a pan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, it’s a dependable, satisfying choice. Make it once and it’s sure to land in your regular dinner rotation!