I made this last night and it is AMAZING! Tastes just like the restaurant. This recipe is from Longhorn Steakhouse. My Mom found the recipe in the paper. I love this dish at Longhorn’s and I was really excited to try it at home!"

 

Why Ground Beef Casserole Is Such a Classic Comfort Food

• Hearty and Filling: Ground beef provides rich protein and meaty flavor. Paired with pasta, noodles, or potatoes, it makes a meal that’s satisfying and substantial.

• Flexible & Economical: It uses common ingredients — ground beef, canned tomatoes or sauce, cheese, and some pasta or veggies. Recipes like the 5‑ingredient version from Back to My Southern Roots make it very budget-friendly. Back To My Southern Roots

• One-Dish Convenience: Everything is cooked together or layered, then baked — meaning fewer pans, easier cleanup, and a great make-ahead or leftover‑friendly dinner.

• Customizable: You can adjust seasonings, cheeses, vegetables, and starch base to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Family Favorite: Many home cooks report that a ground beef casserole is a go-to for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and feeding a crowd. The “Simple Ground Beef Casserole” from Salt & Lavender is a great example of a no-fuss recipe that feeds 6. Salt & Lavender

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2. Core Ingredients: What You’ll Need to Make a Ground Beef Casserole

Here are the typical building blocks used in various ground beef casserole recipes, synthesized from trusted sources:

• Ground Beef: Usually 1 pound (about 450 g), either lean or a moderate fat blend. Healthy Recipes 101+2Cook2eatwell+2

• Onion & Garlic: Most recipes call for a diced onion and minced garlic for base flavor. herfeast.com

• Tomatoes / Sauce: Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or a combination is common. emiliarecipes.com+2Cook2eatwell+2

• Pasta or Noodles: Many versions use cooked pasta (penne, macaroni, fusilli) as the starch. Salt & Lavender

• Cheese: A melty cheese on top — cheddar, mozzarella, or a mixture. Immaculate Bites

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, cumin, or paprika depending on recipe. herfeast.com

• Liquid (optional): Some recipes use milk, cream, or broth (or even sour cream) to create a creamy sauce. For instance, the Kansas SNAP-Ed four-layer casserole uses milk poured over layers. Kansas State University

• Vegetables (optional): Bell pepper, frozen mixed vegetables, or other add-ins to boost nutrition. herfeast.com

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3. Step‑by‑Step Instructions: How to Make a Basic Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s a solid, adaptable method based on several of the recipes cited.

Preparation (15–20 Minutes)

1. Preheat Oven

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is common for many casseroles. emiliarecipes.com

2. Prepare Pasta / Noodles

   • Cook your chosen pasta (penne, macaroni, fusilli) in salted boiling water until just under al dente, because it will cook more in the casserole. This is recommended in the Simple Ground Beef Casserole. Salt & Lavender

3. Brown the Ground Beef

   • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Cook2eatwell

   • Drain excess fat if necessary.

Build the Sauce (5–10 Minutes)

4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

   • Stir in your diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or other spices as per your recipe. Healthy Recipes 101

5. Simmer

   • Let this mixture gently simmer for a few minutes (3–5) to allow flavors to meld.

Assemble the Casserole (5 Minutes)

6. Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture

   • In a greased casserole dish, add the cooked pasta. Pour the beef‑tomato sauce over it and stir so that everything is evenly distributed. emiliarecipes.com

7. Add Cheese

   • Sprinkle shredded cheese liberally on top of the casserole. Some recipes call for a cheese layer; others even mix some cheese in. An Organized Chaos

Bake (25–40 Minutes)

8. Bake in Oven

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. Simple Ground Beef Casserole suggests about 10 minutes for melting cheese, but some richer recipes bake longer (herfeast.com version bakes about 45 minutes). herfeast.com

9. Optional Browning

   • If you like a browned cheese crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes (watch closely so it doesn't burn).

Serve (5 Minutes)

10. Rest & Garnish

    • Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven — this helps it set and makes serving cleaner.

    • Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch (optional).

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4. Variations to Try

Here are some delicious variations on the classic ground beef casserole theme, inspired by different recipes:

4.1 Southern 5‑Ingredient Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Based on the Back to My Southern Roots recipe: ground beef, condensed cheese and mushroom soup, cubed potatoes, and shredded cheddar. Back To My Southern Roots

• This version is super simple and budget-friendly.

• Layer raw cubed potatoes, cooked beef mixed with soup, and top with cheese.

• Bake until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.

4.2 Homestyle Noodle + Cream Cheese Casserole

Based on Whisk It Real Gud and An Organized Chaos: use egg noodles, cream cheese, sour cream, onions, beef, tomato sauce. whiskitrealgud.com+1

• Mix cooked noodles with a creamy base (sour cream + cream cheese).

• Add seasoned beef and tomato sauce, layer, top with cheddar, bake until bubbly.

4.3 Southwestern or Spiced Ground Beef Casserole

Inspired by Her Feast: add bell pepper, frozen mixed vegetables, and season with cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. herfeast.com

• Sauté beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

• Stir in tomatoes and mixed veggies.

• Add pasta (or skip pasta and use potatoes/rice) and top with cheese.

4.4 Four‑Layer “Economy” Casserole (SNAP‑Ed Style)

Based on Kansas SNAP‑Ed recipe: ground beef, potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, and cheese. Kansas State University

• Slice potatoes (unpeeled if you like) and layer in casserole.

• Add cooked ground beef, mixed vegetables, top with cheese, pour milk to moisten.

• Bake covered until potatoes are cooked through.

4.5 Hereford / Creamy Soup Casserole

From a classic rural-style recipe (Hereford Casserole): uses cream cheese, sour cream, mushroom soup, noodles, tomato sauce, and ground beef. Florida Farm Bureau

• Brown beef and mix with tomato sauce.

• In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, and soup.

• Layer noodles, meat sauce, creamy mixture, top with cheese, bake.

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5. Pro Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Casserole

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Block cheese melts better and gives a creamier, more cohesive top than pre-shredded.

• Drain Fat (If Needed): If your ground beef is very fatty, drain some grease after browning so your casserole isn’t greasy.

• Season Thoughtfully: Taste the beef‑tomato mixture before baking — adjust salt, pepper, and herbs so the flavor is right.

• Undercook Pasta Slightly: If using pasta, cook it a little less than al dente so it doesn’t go mushy in the oven.

• Use the Right Dish: Use a 9×13 casserole dish or similar size so the layers distribute well and bake evenly.

• Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a low oven with a splash of water or broth to loosen.

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6. Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with buttered or garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce.

• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or a medley of steamed vegetables are a healthy side.

• Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickles or pickled peppers brings acidity and brightness.

• Red Wine or Beer: A light red wine (like Merlot) or a lager pairs nicely with the beefy, cheesy casserole.

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7. Nutritional & Dietary Considerations

• Because of beef and cheese, this is a higher-protein, moderate-to-high-fat dish.

• For a lighter version, you can:

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean).

  • Reduce cheese or use a lighter cheese.

  • Add more vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, spinach) to bulk up volume without adding too many calories.

• For low-sodium: choose low-sodium tomato sauce or no-salt-added canned tomatoes, and go light on added salt.

• For gluten-free: swap to gluten-free pasta (if using) or use rice / potatoes instead of pasta.

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8. Why This Ground Beef Casserole Is a Go-To Dinner

• Family Friendly: Kids often love the cheesy, meaty comfort of this, and it's big enough to feed a crowd.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble it earlier in the day (or the night before), refrigerate, and bake when ready.

• Budget-Conscious: Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, and you can stretch the casserole with pasta or potatoes.

• Adaptable: Whether you have a simple pantry or want to add gourmet touches, this casserole works.

• Comfort Factor: Warm, hearty, and cheesy — exactly the kind of food you crave on cold nights or when you want something satisfying but not complicated.

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9. Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Cause	Solution
Casserole is too watery	Too much liquid or not enough pasta / starch	Reduce sauce, or increase pasta / noodles / potatoes
Beef tastes bland	Not enough seasoning	Add more salt, pepper, herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire or broth
Cheese doesn’t melt well / clumps	Wrong type of cheese or too cold	Use block cheese, shred freshly, and cover during baking
Bottom of casserole burns	Too little liquid or oven too hot	Add a little broth, reduce heat, or bake on a lower rack
Pasta gets mushy	Overcooked before baking	Undercook pasta slightly so it holds shape in oven

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10. Final Thoughts

A Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless, beloved dish for a reason: it's simple to make, deeply comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you lean toward a creamy, sour‑cream based bake, a tomato-laden pasta version, or a minimalist 5-ingredient potato casserole, there's a recipe here for every style and mood.

By combining ideas from family-style classics, budget-conscious community recipes, and modern comfort-food blogs, you can build a casserole that's truly your own. Use the base method, tweak flavors, and make it fit your pantry — and in doing so, you’ll have a dependable, satisfying dinner that’s just as good on day two.

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