Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

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This hearty cheesy ground beef casserole combines seasoned meat, tender pasta, and gooey cheese for the ultimate comfort food.

Quick Answer: Make this cheesy ground beef casserole by browning seasoned beef, combining with cooked pasta and sauce, topping with cheese, and baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: None

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy texture with layers of melted cheese
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
Budget-friendly using pantry staples
Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers

Quick Benefits

This cheesy ground beef casserole delivers restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked convenience. It’s packed with protein, feeds a crowd affordably, and reheats beautifully for multiple meals.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup whole milk
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat from the cooked beef.
In a large mixing bowl, combine browned beef, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling.
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven
Drain beef well to prevent a greasy casserole
Let cheese brown slightly for best flavor
Use an oven-safe dish that’s at least 2 inches deep
Cool 5 minutes before serving to set

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Red wine (for adults)

Creative Variations

Mexican style: Use taco seasoning and top with Mexican cheese blend
Italian style: Add Italian sausage and use ricotta cheese
Veggie loaded: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini
Low-carb: Substitute cauliflower for pasta

Cultural Notes

Casseroles gained popularity in America during the 1950s as convenient, family-style dishes. This recipe combines Italian-American pasta influences with the practical, one-dish cooking style that defined mid-century American cuisine.

Pro Tips

Shred cheese fresh for best melting
Layer some cheese in the middle for extra gooeyness
Use a mix of cheeses for more complex flavor
Season each layer separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this cheesy ground beef casserole?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work best as they hold the sauce well.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered.

Q: How do I prevent it from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook the pasta and ensure enough sauce is used.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Yes, substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Health Benefits

This cheesy ground beef casserole provides essential protein, calcium, and B vitamins. Using lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while the tomato sauce adds antioxidants. Add vegetables to boost fiber and nutrient content.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 42g • Fat: 32g • Sodium: 890mg

Notes

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or whole casserole in the oven.