Name: Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb penne pasta (uncooked); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 ½ tsps tsps salt, divided; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley

5.0 from 1 vote

There’s nothing better than a comforting, hearty meal after a long day, and this Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or just a packed schedule, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. With tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort.

Not only is this dish fast and cheap, but it also tastes absolutely amazing—comfort food at its finest! Each bite is full of bold, savory flavors that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite seasonings, veggies, or even swap out the pasta for another variety. It’s a great way to make a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free, flavorful, and budget-conscious dinner option, this Ground Beef Casserole is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!

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What You Will Need:

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef: Ground beef is the main ingredient that provides a hearty, savory base for the casserole.
Penne pasta: Penne pasta is great for absorbing the flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
Olive oil: Olive Oil enhances the flavor and prevents sticking while sautéing the onions and garlic.
Onion: Onion adds a sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked with the beef.
Garlic: Garlic gives the dish a robust, aromatic taste that complements the onion and other ingredients.
Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce adds a rich tomato-based that bring all the ingredients together in the casserole.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor that enhances every bite.
Salt: Salt adds that familiar flavor and balances the dish.
Black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning profile.
Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a classic, aromatic Italian flavor.
Onion powder: Onion powder increasers the onion flavor without adding extra moisture.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder increases the garlic flavor and distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Dried parsley: Dried parsley gives a touch of color and a mild herbaceous note for balance.

Instructions for Ground Beef Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta.

To a large pot add water and 1 tsp of salt then bring to a boil. Cook the penne pasta for 9 minutes then turn off the heat, drain the water and set it aside.

3.Brown the Ground Beef.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook until your ground beef begins to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and season with 1-1/2 of salt and the black pepper.

4. Prepare the Sauce.

Add the marinara sauce then season with the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Stir well.

5. Combine Ingredients.

Add the pasta and stir until your pasta is well coated.

6. Bake the Ground Beef Casserole.

Spray a baking dish with baking oil then add the pasta mixture. Top with the shredded cheese then transfer to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra dried parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Eat With Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole can serve as a hearty stand alone dish or can be a side for many protein meals. When served as the main course, adding a garden salad or Cesar salad is a great choice. Alone with some delicious garlic bread, this would make for a very delicious and satisfying meal that can be served any night of the week.

When served as a side dish, ground beef casserole goes great with fried chicken, pork chops or steak. Adding this to a your meal along with roasted asparagus, Brussel sprouts or green beans can really elevate a meal. However you choose to serve your casserole, it will sure to be a satisfying dinner.

What to Do With Leftover Ground Beef Casserole

If you have leftover Ground Beef Casserole, storing it in the refrigerator is simple and ensures you can enjoy it for a few more days. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can help maintain its delicious texture and flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze Ground Beef Casserole to have a convenient meal ready at any time. Once the casserole has cooled completely, either wrap the entire dish tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and foil or portion it into freezer-safe containers for individual servings. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating directly from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, covering with foil for the first half to prevent drying out. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks!