🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole (Comfort Food Classic)
Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor — this is an easy weeknight dinner that feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup sour cream (or cream cheese for richer flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup mozzarella for extra melt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
Stir in:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Simmer 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Make It Creamy
Remove from heat and mix in:
- Sour cream
- 1½ cups cheddar
5️⃣ Assemble
- Combine pasta and beef mixture.
- Spread into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese (and mozzarella if using).
6️⃣ Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🔥 Optional Add-Ins
- 🌶 Diced bell peppers or jalapeños
- 🥬 Spinach or mushrooms
- 🌽 Corn for sweetness
- 🧄 Extra garlic for bold flavor
💡 Make It Even Better
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color.
- Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- 🥔 A low-carb version (no pasta)
- 🥦 A veggie-loaded healthier option
- 🧄 A taco-style cheesy beef casserole
- 🧀 Or an ultra-creamy “church potluck” version
Which one sounds good?
