Short Introduction

A good ground beef casserole recipe is exactly the kind of dinner that gets you through busy weeknights without much stress. Ground beef, pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese all bake together into one comforting, hearty dish that satisfies the whole family.

This recipe is especially great for beginners because it doesn’t require any advanced technique, just basic browning, mixing, and baking. You’re not building a delicate sauce or worrying about precise timing between multiple components. Everything comes together in a couple of bowls before heading into the oven.

I’ve made variations of this ground beef casserole recipe for family dinners more times than I can count, and it’s the kind of dish that always disappears quickly. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it, step by step.

Quick Recipe Overview

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

This Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dinner made with seasoned beef, a rich sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese as a substitute)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Keyword Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need on hand:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Brown the beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.

Add the onion and garlic

Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix the ricotta filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Combine the pasta and meat sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the beef and marinara mixture until evenly coated.

Layer the casserole

Spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the top, then spread the remaining pasta and sauce over that layer.

Top with cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Check the temperature

Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the casserole to confirm it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Chef’s Tips

• Slightly undercook the pasta before baking, since it will continue to soften in the oven and can turn mushy if fully cooked beforehand.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes serving much cleaner.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded when possible, since it melts more smoothly and evenly over the top.
• If you like a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta before baking: This leads to mushy, overly soft noodles once the casserole comes out of the oven.
• Not draining excess grease from the beef: Too much leftover fat can make the casserole greasy instead of rich.
• Skipping the resting time after baking: Cutting into the casserole too soon can cause it to fall apart when served.
• Using too much sauce: Excess liquid can make the casserole watery instead of holding together well.
• Not checking the internal temperature: Since this dish includes raw egg in the ricotta mixture, confirming it reaches 165°F ensures everything is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Variations

• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy marinara for extra heat.
• Vegetable-packed version: Stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms with the ground beef for added nutrition.
• Turkey casserole: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version of the dish.
• Extra cheesy version: Add an additional layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole for even more gooeyness.
• Baked ziti-style: Skip the ricotta layer entirely and simply toss everything together with extra cheese for a simpler, one-layer version.

Storage Tips

This ground beef casserole recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked and cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake covered in a 350°F oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through, removing the cover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese on top.

Serving Suggestions

Ground beef casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the cheese and meat sauce. Garlic bread is almost a must for scooping up any extra sauce on the plate. For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the dish nicely, while sparkling water with lemon works well as a non-alcoholic option for the whole family.

Nutritional Information

Conclusion

This ground beef casserole recipe proves that a comforting, cheesy dinner doesn’t require complicated technique or a long list of specialty ingredients. With a few simple layers and a trip through the oven, this dish comes together easily and delivers exactly the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Give this ground beef casserole recipe a try at your next family dinner, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How did your ground beef casserole recipe turn out? Leave a comment below with your experience, and share this recipe with anyone looking for an easy, comforting family dinner!