Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food – Easy Budget Dinner

Searching for the ultimate Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food that’s both incredibly satisfying and won’t break the bank? You’ve found it! This recipe delivers a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner perfect for any weeknight. It’s a go-to for busy families, budget-conscious cooks, and anyone craving a warm, fulfilling meal without a fuss. Get ready to add this versatile, crowd-pleasing casserole to your regular rotation – you won’t regret it!

Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food

Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! This recipe relies on readily available, affordable items, making it perfect for an easy budget dinner.

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef: Choose lean to avoid excessive grease, 90/10 or 85/15 works best.
• 1 large Yellow Onion (diced): Adds a foundational savory aromatic flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced): Essential for a pungent, delicious base.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Provides acidity and chunky texture.
• 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce: For a rich, smooth tomato base.
• 1 cup Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the beef flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: A classic blend for savory herbs.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: To season the meat and sauce (adjust to taste).
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: For a touch of spice (adjust to taste).
• 2 cups Cooked Elbow Macaroni: Or any small pasta shape you prefer. Cook al dente according to package directions.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, whatever you love, divided.
• ½ cup Milk (optional): For an extra creamy sauce, if desired.
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish – optional): Adds a pop of fresh flavor and color.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food

This Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food is a dream to prepare – simple, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. With hearty ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s the epitome of cozy dining. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, taking just about 20 minutes of active prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. It’s truly an easy budget dinner that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook your elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using, stir in the ½ cup of milk for a creamier sauce.
5. Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the meat sauce, stirring well to combine everything evenly. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the mixture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire macaroni and beef mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making for easier serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food

You are absolutely going to adore this Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food for so many reasons! The main highlight is its incredible ability to evoke those cherished feelings of home-cooked warmth – it’s hearty, rich, and utterly satisfying, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like pure love. What’s even better is the significant cost-saving benefit; by making this delicious meal at home, you’re enjoying restaurant-quality comfort without the hefty price tag, making it an ideal easy budget dinner.

The flavorful combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, soft pasta, and a blanket of melted sharp cheddar cheese creates a texture and taste sensation that is simply irresistible. If you loved our ‘Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Potatoes,’ you’ll find this casserole equally comforting and easy to prepare. Don’t wait – dive into the delicious world of homemade comfort; your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you!

What to Serve Ground Beef Casserole With:

This Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate the experience and add nutritional balance.

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy and colorful addition. A quick sauté of spinach with garlic also works beautifully.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce!
• Corn on the Cob: A classic alongside comfort food, especially in warmer months.
• Drinks: A glass of iced tea, a light red wine like a Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir, or even a cold beer would pair well.

Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food:

To make your Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food truly shine, consider these expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni or chosen pasta shape until just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want it to remain slightly firm, not mushy.
• Drain the Fat Thoroughly: While lean ground beef is recommended, draining any excess fat after browning is crucial. Too much grease can make the casserole oily and less appealing.
• Layering for Flavor: For an extra cheesy experience, you can divide the cheese (even just slightly more than half) and layer it within the casserole itself, not just on top. Add half the mixture to the dish, sprinkle with some cheese, then add the rest of the mixture before topping with the remaining cheese.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even a handful of frozen peas or corn can be added along with the onion for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Choice Matters: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella or even some Monterey Jack can add different flavors and melt qualities.
• Let It Rest: This tip is often overlooked but important! Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from falling apart when serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

One of the great things about this Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Allow the casserole to cool completely. You can freeze it in the baking dish (if freezer-safe and covered tightly with foil and then plastic wrap) or portion it into individual airtight freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating (From Refrigerator):
  • Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Oven: For larger portions or the whole casserole, cover with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes if you want the cheese to crisp up again.
• Reheating (From Frozen):
  • If reheating a whole frozen casserole, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. If reheating from frozen, cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until hot in the center. You may need to increase baking time if cooking from frozen. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown.
  • Individual frozen portions can be reheated in the microwave, though it may take longer and require more stirring.

Final Thoughts:

This Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. It embodies everything you crave in an easy budget dinner: incredible flavor, minimal effort, and the kind of comforting warmth that makes any meal special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for busy weeknights, or simply yearning for a taste of home, this casserole delivers every single time. It’s comforting, economical, and undeniably delicious. Get ready to add this reliable favorite to your weekly rotation – your taste buds will thank you for this satisfying, homemade goodness!

try also : 

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• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
• Matcha Cake Recipe
• find more in Pinterest

Ground Beef Casserole Comfort Food FAQs:

Q: Can I use different types of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this comfort food, you can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a combination of ground pork and beef. Adjust cooking time slightly if using leaner meats.

Q: What if I don’t have elbow macaroni? Can I use other pasta?
A: Yes! Any small-to-medium pasta shape will work well. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or even broken spaghetti can be used. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is excellent for making ahead! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: To make it healthier, use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the meat mixture. Opt for whole wheat pasta and use reduced-fat cheese if desired.

Q: The recipe calls for diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Can I use only one of them?
A: For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using both. The diced tomatoes provide chunkiness and fresh tomato flavor, while the tomato sauce creates a smooth, rich base. If you must use only one, use a larger can of diced tomatoes and crush some of them by hand, or add a bit more broth if using only sauce.

Q: My casserole seems a bit dry after baking. What went wrong?
A: This can happen if the pasta was overcooked initially, absorbing too much liquid before baking. Ensure the pasta is al dente. Also, check your oven temperature – if it’s too high, it can dry out faster. Adding a bit more beef broth or the optional milk to the sauce before baking can help keep it moist. Letting it rest after baking also allows the sauce to set rather than evaporate.