Easy Ground Beef Casserole
A hearty and cheesy ground beef casserole featuring pasta, creamy mushroom soup, and tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until done; set aside.
- Brown the ground beef and onions; drain off excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, browned beef and onions, cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, catsup, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot with additional cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing diced onions and garlic with the ground beef. You can use whole wheat elbow macaroni for a healthier twist, or substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with additional grated cheese on top or a dollop of sour cream. For a complete experience, consider serving with garlic bread or crusty rolls. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and is a great option for meal prepping as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Ground Beef Casserole contains roughly 1050 calories, with 49g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1084mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Alternatively, use cream of chicken soup or a blended mixture of soaked cashews and vegetable broth for a dairy-free option.
Can I freeze the leftover casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).