Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese

Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese! This family-friendly bake is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a gooey, cheesy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy evenings. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers on flavor and ease, you’ve found it. This casserole is not just delicious; it’s a budget-friendly solution that will quickly become a staple in your home.

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Key Ingredients for Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese

To create this delectable Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese, gather the following ingredients, paying attention to the specific quantities for the best results:

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 recommended): This forms the hearty base of our casserole.
1 large yellow onion, finely diced: Adds essential aromatic depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For a robust flavor foundation.
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides a rich, tangy base and moisture.
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor and smooths the sauce.
1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred): Adds liquid and umami.
½ cup heavy cream: For a luscious, creamy texture.
1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: The secret to extra creaminess and richness.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend for savory dishes.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning.
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle kick.
4 cups cooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta: Cooked al dente according to package directions before adding to the casserole.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided, for mixing into the casserole and sprinkling on top.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: For an extra layer of melty goodness on top.
½ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds freshness and color.

How to Make Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese

This Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese is a breeze to make, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, make it undeniably satisfying. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, needing only about 20 minutes of active prep time before it bakes to golden perfection. Get ready for a comforting, easy-to-love meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Season the mixture with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine with Pasta and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked elbow macaroni and 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed and the cheese begins to melt slightly into the sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. If you prefer a darker, crispier cheese topping, you can switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for cleaner serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese for so many reasons. The main highlight is its unbeatable combination of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all under a blanket of deliciously melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food! This casserole is also a fantastic money-saver; by using pantry staples and affordable ground beef, you can create a satisfying meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.

The vibrant diced tomatoes, savory Italian seasoning, and generous cheese topping are what truly elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. If you enjoy our Easy One-Pot Mac & Cheese, you’ll adore this elevated, more substantial version. Give this incredible casserole a try tonight – your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you!

What to Serve Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese With:

This hearty Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides can turn it into a truly memorable feast.

Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully. Think mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: Lightly steamed vegetables add a fresh, healthy component without overpowering the main dish. A squeeze of lemon can brighten them up.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any leftover delicious sauce! Warm, buttered bread is always a welcome addition.
Roasted Asparagus: A more elegant side, roasted asparagus spears offer a delicate flavor and tender-crisp texture that pairs well.
Corn on the Cob: Especially in warmer months, sweet corn on the cob provides a lovely, seasonal contrast.
Simple Fruit Salad: For a lighter, refreshing end to the meal, a fresh fruit salad can be perfect.

Top Tips for Perfecting Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese:

Getting your Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese just right is easy with these insider tips:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your elbow macaroni al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta before baking will result in mushy noodles in the final casserole.
Drain Grease Thoroughly: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off as much of the excess grease as possible. This prevents a greasy casserole and keeps the texture more pleasant.
Season as You Go: Taste the beef mixture before adding the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that cheese also adds salt, so be mindful not to over-salt.
Creamy Secret: For an even richer, creamier casserole, use full-fat heavy cream and cream of mushroom soup. If you’re sensitive to strong mushroom flavors, you can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, but the mushroom adds a wonderful umami depth.
Cheese Blend Power: Don’t just stick to cheddar! The combination of sharp cheddar and melty Monterey Jack (or even some mozzarella or a hint of smoked gouda) creates a more complex flavor and a fantastic cheese pull on top.
Avoid Dry Casserole: Ensure your sauce is adequately moist before baking. If the mixture seems too thick after adding the pasta, you can add a splash more beef broth or milk. Pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes.
Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If the cheese topping starts to brown too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, you can lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

To keep your Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese tasting fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating guidelines:

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This prevents bacterial growth and maintains flavor.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Once cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole.
- For individual portions: Place cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- For the entire casserole: If you baked it in a freezer-safe dish, you can cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the entire cooled casserole to a large freezer bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date.

Reheating Tips:

From Refrigerator:
- Oven: For best results, reheat in the oven. Place individual portions or the entire casserole (covered with foil to prevent drying) in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Microwave: For quick reheating of individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
From Freezer:
- Thawing First (Recommended): For best results, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat as you would from the refrigerator.
- Reheating from Frozen: If reheating directly from frozen, this will take longer. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes if you want the cheese topping to crisp up.

Final Thoughts:

The Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. Its warmth, heartiness, and irresistible cheesy goodness make it the perfect solution for busy weeknights, comforting family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something truly satisfying. This bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

It’s an easy win that’s big on flavor and low on stress, ensuring everyone around your table leaves happy and full. We hope this casserole becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation, bringing joy and deliciousness to your home for years to come.

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Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or medium shells work perfectly. Just be sure to cook it al dente before adding it to the casserole.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute it with another creamy condensed soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery. For a homemade alternative, you can make a simple béchamel sauce (roux with milk) and stir it in.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes! This casserole is very versatile. You can easily add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, frozen peas, or corn along with the onion and garlic. Sautéing them slightly with the onion will ensure they are tender.

Q: Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully! See the “Storing and Reheating Tips” section above for detailed instructions on how to freeze and reheat for optimal taste and texture.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or add a diced jalapeño along with the onion. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture would also work!

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) and cover it tightly, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking if possible.

Loaded Ground Beef Casserole with Cheese – Family-Friendly Bake