Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

For years, weeknight dinners at our house were a bit of a battlefield. Trying to find something everyone would agree on felt like an impossible mission. Then, I stumbled upon the magic of the Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole. Let me tell you, this recipe was a game-changer. From the first bite, it was clear we had a winner. The kids devoured it, even the veggie-averse one surprisingly didn’t complain about the hidden vegetables (shhh, don’t tell them!). My husband, a self-proclaimed meat-and-potatoes guy, declared it “comfort food perfection.” And me? I loved how incredibly easy it was to throw together, especially on those busy evenings when time was of the essence. This casserole quickly became a regular in our rotation, a reliable crowd-pleaser that always delivers on flavor and satisfaction. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family staple, look no further. This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds of lean ground beef. Provides the hearty protein base of the casserole.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, diced. Adds savory depth and aromatics to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Enhances the flavor profile and adds a pungent kick.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), diced. Contributes sweetness, color, and a slight crunch.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, undrained. Forms the saucy base and adds acidity and moisture.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound of elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked. Provides the comforting carbohydrate element of the casserole.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup of beef broth. Adds moisture and richness to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. The star of the show, melting into gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Offers a milder, creamier cheese flavor and excellent melting properties.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Adds a touch of spice and balances the flavors.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
• Optional: Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds a savory umami depth to the beef mixture.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley: For garnish, chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a large 9×13 inch casserole dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the Elbow Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions for al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven and you want it to maintain some texture. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Add Aromatics and Vegetables: To the skillet with the browned ground beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Next, add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.
5. Create the Tomato Sauce Base: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine everything well. If using, add the Worcestershire sauce at this stage for an extra layer of savory flavor.
6. Season the Beef Mixture: Season the sauce mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper based on your preference.
7. Combine Pasta and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the skillet with the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture. Pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
8. Layer with Cheese: Pour half of the macaroni and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of this layer.
9. Add the Remaining Casserole and Cheese: Pour the remaining macaroni and beef mixture over the cheese layer, again spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, ensuring the entire surface is covered in a generous layer of cheese.
10. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The casserole should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
11. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of fresh flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole (per serving, approximate)

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Servings per Recipe: 10-12
• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 30-35g

Preparation Time for Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Prep Time: 25-30 minutes. This includes the time for chopping vegetables, browning the ground beef, and cooking the pasta. The recipe is designed to be efficient, using common ingredients and straightforward steps to minimize prep time.

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes. The baking time in the oven is relatively short, allowing the cheese to melt and the casserole to heat through without excessive cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this comforting and delicious casserole on the table in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for busy families.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with complementary side dishes and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Side Salad:
  • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Consider adding tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots for extra nutrients and texture.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
  • Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and vibrant addition.
  • Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes offer a sweeter, caramelized flavor that pairs well with the casserole.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
  • Warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
  • A simple crusty baguette also works wonderfully.
• Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn:
  • Corn on the cob, especially during summer months, is a classic and comforting side.
  • Creamed corn offers a richer, sweeter side dish that complements the savory casserole.
• Coleslaw or Potato Salad:
  • For a picnic or potluck setting, coleslaw or potato salad can be excellent cold side options that contrast nicely with the warm casserole.
• Toppings and Garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and tangy element.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, offer a bottle of hot sauce on the side.
  • Chopped Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

Additional Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven as the casserole bakes, so undercooking it slightly prevents it from becoming mushy.
2. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to minimize grease. This will result in a healthier casserole and less need to drain excess fat after browning.
3. Customize Your Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack for a spicy kick, provolone for a mild melt, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. A mix of cheeses often creates the most complex and delicious flavor profile.
4. Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding more vegetables. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onions and bell peppers. Finely diced carrots can also be added.
5. Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
6. Make it Ahead of Time: This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and store it, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
7. Freeze for Later: Baked Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cut into portions or freeze the whole casserole in a freezer-safe dish, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
8. Broil for Extra Cheese Browning: If you want an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning! This adds a beautiful finish and crispy texture to the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Q1: Can I use different types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
A: Absolutely! Other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or even ziti would work well in this casserole. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.

Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas to make it heartier.

Q3: How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?
A: Ensure you are using enough liquid. The recipe calls for beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. If you find it dry before baking, add a little more beef broth or tomato sauce. Also, avoid overbaking, which can dry out the casserole.

Q4: Can I add cream cheese to make it even creamier?
A: Yes, adding cream cheese will enhance the creaminess. You can stir in about 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the beef mixture after browning the beef and before adding the pasta.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover casserole?
A: The best way to reheat leftover casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture might be slightly softer.

Q6: Can I use pre-shredded cheese or should I shred my own?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own cheese from a block is generally recommended. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can sometimes affect melting and texture. However, for convenience, pre-shredded cheese will still work.

Q7: Can I add breadcrumbs to the top for a crispy topping?
A: Yes, a breadcrumb topping adds a nice textural contrast. Mix about 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work especially well for a crispy topping.

Q8: Is this casserole kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is generally very kid-friendly. The familiar flavors of ground beef, pasta, and cheese are usually a hit with children. You can adjust the vegetables to suit your kids’ preferences, or even finely chop them to make them less noticeable.

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