When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats the simplicity and heartiness of a ground beef casserole. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, a starch base like pasta or potatoes, melted cheese, and a rich sauce—either creamy or tomato-based—to create a warm, satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's budget-friendly, easy to customize, and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping. Here's everything you need to know to make this delicious dish, along with a detailed step-by-step method.
Ingredients:
Base ingredients:
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini) or 3 cups diced potatoes• 1 cup chopped onion• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)• 2 cloves garlic, minced• Salt and pepper to taste• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)