Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless favorite, blending comfort and flavor in one dish. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a satisfying experience for taste buds without being overly complicated to prepare.
It’s an excellent way to bring everyone together around the dinner table. With its cheesy goodness and robust flavors, this casserole can instantly become a favorite in any household.
Equipment Needed for Ground Beef Casserole
To get started on your Ground Beef Casserole, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium skillet for cooking beef
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Casserole dish (9 x 13 inches)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
What You Need to Make Ground Beef Casserole
- 32 oz. marinara sauce, high quality
- 1/2 cup half and half (can substitute heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon basil
- 3/4 teaspoon parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 lb. penne pasta
How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole Step by Step
To begin making your Ground Beef Casserole, first combine all of your sauce ingredients in a bowl and set them aside. Make sure to measure out all your remaining ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience.
Preheat your oven to 375°F, so it’s ready when your casserole is prepared. While the oven is heating, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add 3/4 tablespoon of salt.
Next, season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned ground beef. Cook the beef for about three minutes before adding the diced onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the onions are softened and the beef is cooked through. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, drain the excess grease from the skillet.
After that, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, add the beef broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom gently to incorporate any brown bits that may have formed. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces by half, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes.
Now it’s time to add your sauce mixture from earlier. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer. Keep it uncovered for the best results. While it simmers, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously to distribute the cheese evenly.
Once your pasta is cooked al dente, drain it well and add it to the meat and sauce mixture. Toss everything together to ensure that the pasta is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Carefully transfer this mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a melty finish.
Now, place the casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for 10 minutes. For a crispy top, broil at 450°F for another 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it during this time, as things can brown quickly.
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. For an added touch, garnish it with some fresh parsley and serve warm. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese!
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Making Ground Beef Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. This will streamline your cooking process and minimize any last-minute searches.
Prepare your sauce ingredients first. This sets the base flavor and ensures it’s well-mixed before adding it to your beef. Prepping all your components ahead of time allows you to focus on cooking without interruptions.
As you cook the beef, ensure it’s crumbled well and browned properly. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole. Your sauce should be thick, but if it seems too runny, allow it to simmer longer.
Combining the pasta with the sauce and meat is where the magic happens. Allowing it to bake and bubble in the oven melds the flavors together, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
Serving Ground Beef Casserole is simple yet delightful. Once it’s out of the oven and has rested, you can use a spatula to cut hearty portions. Place them on plates and make sure each serving has plenty of cheese and sauce.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but enhances the dish’s overall appeal. For an easy side, serve it with Garlic Bread with Cheese, which can be made while the casserole is baking for a complete meal.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole is quite filling on its own, but it can be enhanced with some complementary sides. Fresh green salads with a light dressing provide a great balance to the richness of the casserole.
You might also consider serving roasted vegetables or a vegetable medley. These add colors, textures, and nutrients that perfectly balance the hearty flavors in the casserole.
Another great option is serving steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. Their crispness contrasts with the creamy casserole, making for a satisfying meal.
How to Store Ground Beef Casserole
If you have leftovers, storing Ground Beef Casserole is easy! Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. This dish tends to taste even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Casserole
When making Ground Beef Casserole, here are some tips to enhance your experience. Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor base. A homemade sauce adds a personal touch, but store-bought options work just fine for convenience.
Don’t skip browning the beef well, as this step adds depth and enhances the overall flavor. Ensure you drain any excess grease during cooking to prevent a greasy casserole that can overshadow delicious flavors.
Another key tip is to cheese it up! While the recipe calls for specific amounts, feel free to adjust based on your preference. Adding more cheese can make the top bubbly and golden, while incorporating different cheese types adds interesting flavor notes.
Variation (If Any)
Ground Beef Casserole can easily be customized to suit your taste. Consider mixing in additional vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value.
For those who prefer a bit of spice, you can add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Using different types of pasta can also make for a fun twist. Feel free to substitute penne with fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
Best Time to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole is perfect for any day of the week, especially during busy nights when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. It’s an excellent addition to family gatherings or potlucks too.
This dish can be made and served any time of the year, but it shines especially well in the colder months. The warm and cheesy nature of this casserole comfort food truly warms the soul.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef Casserole is straightforward, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid. One mistake is not browning the beef properly. Browning helps deepen the flavors, while undercooked beef can lead to a bland dish.
Another common error is overcooking or undercooking the pasta. Make sure to follow package instructions and taste to ensure it is cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
It’s also crucial to let the casserole rest for a few minutes post-baking. This prevents it from falling apart as you serve it.
Nutritional Notes (Optional)
Ground Beef Casserole is a balanced dish that contains protein from the beef and dairy, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from any added vegetables. While it may be rich in calories and sodium, it’s also filling and satisfying, offering energy that keeps you going throughout your day.
When making substitutions, like swapping cream for half and half, you can slightly adjust calories and fat content based on your dietary needs. It also offers flexibility by adjusting the amount of cheese or using whole-grain pasta.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust seasonings since these meats can be milder in flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps to keep the texture crispy and delicious, just like when it was first baked.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Casserole is an ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and joy to any table. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a go-to choice for busy families and gatherings alike.
With the perfect combination of ingredients, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction with every bite. So gather your ingredients and make this delightful casserole soon; it might just become your new favorite recipe!
