Here’s a comforting, family-friendly Beef and Cheese Casserole — hearty, cheesy, and perfect for weeknights.
🧀🍖 Classic Beef & Cheese Casserole
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes.
3️⃣ Combine
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the beef mixture.
- Stir in sour cream if using.
- Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4️⃣ Add cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Add Parmesan if using.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔄 Easy Variations
- 🌶 Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and use pepper jack cheese.
- 🥦 Veggie boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- 🥔 Low-carb version: Swap pasta for cauliflower or zucchini.
If you’d like, I can also give you a creamy hamburger hashbrown casserole version or a keto-friendly beef and cheese bake.
