Description
This Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and affordable dinner made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding the whole family without stretching your grocery budget.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked pasta (or diced potatoes)
2 cups tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Combine the beef mixture with cooked pasta or potatoes.
8. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can stretch the beef by adding 1 cup frozen vegetables or beans.
Swap pasta with rice to make it even more budget-friendly.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American