Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

If there’s a casserole that’s stolen the hearts (and appetites) of my family over and over, it’s this irresistible Ground Beef Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with classic comfort, this dish brings together seasoned beef, a luxuriously saucy base, and plenty of melty mozzarella — all wrapped around tender pasta. If you need a recipe that satisfies picky eaters, busy weeknights, or cozy gatherings, this one punches above its weight with big, bold flavor from the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Ground Beef Casserole is here to serve a purpose — to heighten flavor, bring balance, and deliver those gorgeous cheesy strings with every slice. Nothing is fussy or hard to find, but together they create magic.

• Marinara Sauce (32 oz.): The backbone of the entire casserole, opt for the best quality you can (Rao’s, if possible) for a deep, rich tomato flavor.
• Half and Half (½ cup): Adds a creamy, smooth background to the sauce; substitute heavy cream for extra richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives the sauce savory depth and a little something extra you can’t put your finger on.
• Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Don’t worry, it won’t make it spicy — just a subtle boost that brightens all the other flavors.
• Dried Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Mustard Powder (¾ teaspoon each): This blend brings classic Italian herbs and a touch of warmth from the mustard powder.
• Ground Beef (1 lb.): Choose 80/20 for flavor; cook and drain well so it’s perfectly crumbly and juicy.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the beef and balancing all the flavors overall.
• Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): A gentle sweetness that melts into the background beautifully.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Always key in comfort casseroles — the ultimate aromatic for savoriness.
• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives a rich color.
• Beef Broth (½ cup): Scrapes up all the good bits from the pan and enriches the sauce even further.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Tangy, nutty, melty goodness stirred right into the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): For the best melt and flavor, shred whole milk mozzarella fresh from a block.
• Penne Pasta (¾ lb.): This holds all the lovely sauce and cheese so you get a perfect bite every time — ziti or rigatoni also work great.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Sauce

Start by whisking together the marinara, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried herbs, and mustard powder in a bowl. This step is a little secret weapon — letting everything meld in advance means a creamier, more complex sauce later. Set it aside so it’s ready to go when your beef is sizzling.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Season your ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it over medium-high heat in a large skillet. After a few minutes, add the onion and garlic, stirring gently until the onions are tender and the beef is fully cooked. Be sure to drain off any excess grease so your Ground Beef Casserole stays light and luscious.

Step 3: Build Depth with Tomato Paste and Broth

Stir in a scoop of tomato paste and let it cook for just a minute — this caramelizes the tomato, deepening the entire dish. Next up, pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. These fond pieces are packed with flavor, so work them into the sauce as the liquid reduces by half.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the pre-mixed sauce from Step 1 into your beef mixture. Let it all come to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered — the sauce will thicken and all those flavors have a chance to marry while you cook the pasta.

Step 5: Cook and Toss the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the penne just to al dente in a big pot of salted water — the pasta will finish softening as the casserole bakes. Drain well and scoop it right into the meat sauce. Give everything a big toss, ensuring the penne is well coated with the creamy, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheeses and Assemble

Sprinkle in the Parmesan and just a quarter-cup of the mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into the sauce. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, then spread it evenly and scatter the remaining mozzarella over the top for that iconic bubbly, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake Until Melty and Golden

Bake your casserole uncovered at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes, then (for the lovers of crispy cheese edges) turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes — just until the top is perfectly brown and irresistible. Allow your Ground Beef Casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so everything sets into luscious, scoopable layers.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Give your masterpiece a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a dash of extra flavor. If you want a little zing, add a few grinds of black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving. The green, white, and red will look as good as they taste!

Side Dishes

You can keep things classic with garlic bread (cheese optional, but highly recommended!) and a crisp green salad dressed simply. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies are also fantastic partners and bring a little freshness to balance the cheesy richness of your Ground Beef Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

While family style in a big casserole dish is always a win, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for dinner parties or a special gathering. Or, create a pasta bar and let folks add toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or extra cheese for their own personalized slice of cozy comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), cover and chill the Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight, making lunch the next day an event to look forward to.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to three months. Be sure not to overcook your pasta initially if you know you’ll freeze for later — it helps the reheated casserole stay just right.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until bubbling hot, or cover and warm larger portions in a 350-degree oven. For the best results, let the casserole come to room temperature before heating, and add a splash of broth if it looks a bit dry. The cheesy, saucy goodness will be restored in no time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Ziti and rigatoni work beautifully in place of penne. Even rotini or shells can catch that wonderful creamy sauce — just cook them a minute less than usual so they don’t get too soft when baked.

What’s the best way to make this Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake. Let it cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready, bake covered at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

How can I add more veggies?

Easy! Sauté diced green bell pepper or sliced mushrooms with the onions, or stir in drained diced tomatoes with the sauce. Even a handful of spinach can be wilted in before baking if you’d like to green it up.

What cheeses melt best in this recipe?

Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block is your best friend here — it melts beautifully and tastes rich. Freshly grated Parmesan also adds a layer of tang and depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes! Double all ingredients for a crowd and use two baking dishes, or halve the recipe for a smaller household (just remember to shave a few minutes off the baking time for the smaller casserole). It’s flexible and forgiving.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to bring the warmth and happiness of Ground Beef Casserole to your own table. There’s just something about those bubbling layers of pasta, beef, and cheesy sauce that wins over everyone, every single time. Pour yourself a glass of something nice, team up with a good friend, and dig in — I promise, this casserole is destined to become a fast favorite!

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