Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Hearty ground beef casserole with seasoned browned beef, vegetables, tomato sauce and melted cheese — an easy, comforting weeknight bake that serves the family and reheats well.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ground beef, casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked pasta

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 55

Servings: -6 servings

Calories: 420kcal

Ingredients

1 lb 450 g ground beef (80/20 or lean)
1 medium onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked pasta penne, elbow, or shells or 2 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil chopped (optional)
1/2 cup frozen peas or corn optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta or rice according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground beef, break up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat if needed, then season with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and optional peas or corn; simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Combine cooked pasta/rice with the beef-tomato mixture and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over the surface.
Bake uncovered 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly; broil 1–2 minutes for a golden top if desired.
Let rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley or basil, then serve.

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