Description
Ground Beef Casserole for Busy Nights is a hearty, cheesy, comforting family dinner made with seasoned ground beef, pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
4. Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture in a large bowl.
7. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream before baking.
Add spinach or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American