If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to please your crew, this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta, savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and a luscious layer of creamy cheese—all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and hearty appetites! Whether you’re feeding a busy family or prepping for a cozy night in, this casserole is a classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create bold flavor and irresistible texture. Every element, from juicy beef to gooey cheese, plays a special part in making this casserole unforgettable.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole, bringing savory flavor and satisfying protein to every bite.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, perfectly balancing the richness of the beef.
- Garlic (minced): A must for fragrant flavor that permeates the entire dish.
- Salt: Enhances and brings out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Lends a subtle warmth and gentle kick.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs that infuse the casserole with classic comfort.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy, saucy layer that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy tang and smooth texture in the cheesy filling.
- Cottage cheese: Gives the casserole body and a subtle, creamy bite.
- Cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or egg noodles): Forms the hearty base and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a rich, sharp blanket over the casserole.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers a gooey, stretchy finish that everyone loves.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Freshens up the finished dish with a pop of green.
How to Make Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of grease. This simple step ensures your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner will lift out easily and cleanup will be a breeze later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and fragrant—this is where the savory foundation is built!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let everything cook together for about a minute. The aroma at this stage is mouthwatering, and the seasoning will infuse the beef with extra flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with your seasoned beef mixture. Give it a good stir and let it all simmer for about five minutes. This step thickens the sauce and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. This blend becomes the secret creamy layer that takes your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner to the next level—don’t skip it!
Step 6: Layer Everything in the Baking Dish
Now for the fun part! Start with half of your cooked pasta on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half the beef sauce over the pasta, then spread the entire sour cream and cottage cheese mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and beef sauce, building those cozy layers.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface. This golden, bubbling topping is what gives the casserole its signature pull-apart cheesiness!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden. Let it rest for five minutes before serving—this helps everything set up for perfect slices.
How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner with a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s optional, but that little green pop can make your casserole look extra inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be the star, but it also plays well with simple sides. Think crisp green salads, warm garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. These sides add a little crunch and color, rounding out your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a personal touch, try baking individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties or meal prep. Or, scoop out generous helpings and top with a dollop of extra sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a truly decadent finish. The homestyle look is part of the charm, so don’t worry about perfect layers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner keeps beautifully! Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your casserole, assemble it as instructed but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or a little extra cheese to keep everything creamy and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow, penne, or egg noodles are classic, any sturdy pasta shape will work. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it holds up in the casserole.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta makes a great stand-in. It offers a similar creamy texture that blends beautifully in the layers.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the beef mixture for extra nutrition, color, and flavor in your Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner.
How far in advance can I make this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What’s the best way to get a golden cheese crust?
Broil the casserole for the last minute or two of baking, watching closely, to get that irresistible golden and bubbly cheese topping. Just be careful not to walk away—it browns quickly!
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, hungry for seconds and asking for the recipe. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors—give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your home!
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Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Dinner is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family meals. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Easy to prepare and customizable, this casserole brings together simple ingredients into a flavorful bake that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Dairy Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
Other
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or egg noodles)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Dairy Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well mixed. This adds a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly. Top it with half of the meat sauce, then add the entire sour cream and cottage cheese mixture on top. Repeat by layering the remaining pasta and meat sauce evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- This casserole is highly customizable—feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- It freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
