Homemade Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines al dente penne pasta, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a one-dish meal that offers rich flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is both filling and easy to make, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy a warm, delicious meal.
Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (I use Rao’s Homemade)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or butter. While the oven heats, finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Having everything prepped and ready will let you move quickly once cooking begins.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta, cooking for about 10 minutes until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion from Step 1 and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. I like to get good browning on the beef before adding the garlic—it develops more flavor that way.
- Stir the minced garlic from Step 1 into the browned beef and onions, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Drain the cooked pasta from Step 2 and add it to the greased baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture from Step 3 over the pasta and stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed. I find using a large spoon or spatula and folding gently helps distribute the sauce without breaking up the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese from Step 1 evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving—this allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t slide off.
This casserole provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, which supports muscle growth and repair. The marinara sauce offers a boost of antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes, while the cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein for bone health. When prepared with lean beef and paired with a side of vegetables, this dish can be part of a balanced meal. However, since it’s cheese-heavy, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
