Description

This hearty, cheesy ground beef casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner. With tender pasta (or potatoes), savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a one-dish wonder perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses and enjoy a meal that gets better with every bite. It’s easy to prep, even easier to bake, and guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85/15)
2 cups dry elbow pasta (or 3 cups diced, parboiled potatoes)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup sour cream (or cream of mushroom soup)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, corn, spinach, etc.)

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Instructions

Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Stir in tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Turn off heat and mix in sour cream (or creamy binder). Add optional veggies.
In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer pasta, then beef mixture, then top with cheese.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 10–15 more until bubbly.
Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey texture. Add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish. Can be made ahead or frozen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American