5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole (Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner)
Why Make This Recipe
5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect choice for a quick, delicious family dinner. It combines hearty ingredients that are easy to find and prepares in just one dish, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is not only tasty but also satisfying, with creamy cheese and flavorful ground beef.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. (Pro tip: An 8×8 keeps the casserole thick and hearty—larger dishes spread it too thin.)
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Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. (You’re looking for fully browned, not gray—color equals flavor.)
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Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and black pepper. (Start light on salt; you can adjust after mixing everything together.)
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is evenly coated. (If it looks slightly saucy, that’s perfect—it thickens as it bakes.)
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Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. (Pro tip: Don’t mix the cheese in—this keeps the texture right.)
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are gently bubbling.)
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Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. (This short rest helps everything set—don’t skip it.)
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Serve the casserole hot straight from the oven. You can slice it into squares for easy serving. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
- Make sure not to overcook the beef. Browning it well adds flavor.
- If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more on top before baking.
- Adjust the spices to your preference—add garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor.
Variation
You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost the nutrition of your casserole.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for a day before baking.
What if I have leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.