Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious ground beef casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Mix in the tomatoes and seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen peas (or mixed vegetables), salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano (if using). Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with cooked pasta and sour cream: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the ground beef mixture. Add the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then, add a layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a full, satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage
This ground beef casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven. The cheesy, creamy filling and crispy topping make it a delicious comfort food. Here’s how to store and reheat any leftovers:
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole as usual, but cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, ensure the casserole has cooled completely before wrapping and freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the portion.
Tips
- Customizing the vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. You can use corn, green beans, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the casserole.
- Switching up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Adding a crunchy topping: If you prefer a crunchier topping, add some crushed potato chips or fried onions instead of breadcrumbs or crackers. They add texture and extra flavor.
- Make it spicier: To give your casserole a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy salsa instead of plain tomato sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it gluten-free: If you want to make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the topping.
Conclusion
Ground beef casseroles are the epitome of comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and completely satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe takes just a few simple ingredients and transforms them into a delicious, filling dish that can feed a whole family or provide leftovers for the next day. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole will be a hit.
With endless variations to suit your tastes, you can adapt this recipe to include your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings. It’s one of those dishes that’s just as perfect for a weeknight meal as it is for a special gathering, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
FAQ
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well in this casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it completely, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, you can do so before or after baking and then thaw and bake as needed.
3. Can I make this casserole in a smaller or larger dish?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the casserole