Cheesy ground beef bake

Cheesy Ground Beef Bake – Family Friendly Casserole

A simple, cheesy ground beef bake that feeds the whole family. Easy steps, hearty flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 430 kcal per serving

This cheesy ground beef bake is a straight-forward, cozy meal. Layers of pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese make everyone happy.

It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. Even a kitchen beginner can make this dish and impress the family.

— Ready in under 45 minutes
— Uses basic pantry staples
— Cheesy, meaty, and kid-approved
— Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
— Easy to customize with veggies or spices

Ingredients

— 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
— 12 ounces (340 g) dry pasta (penne or rotini)
— 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150 g)
— 2 garlic cloves, minced
— 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
— 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
— ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
— ¼ teaspoon black pepper
— 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
— 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
— 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to make it

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with a little oil.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
4. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Turn off heat.
7. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, beef sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
8. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and all of the mozzarella evenly on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips and common mistakes

— Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
— Drain fat from beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
— Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes if cheese browns too fast.
— Let the bake rest; this helps it set and slice neatly.

Substitutions

— Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
— Use any short pasta like shells or fusilli.
— Try a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack for extra spice.
— Replace tomato sauce with marinara for richer flavor.

Storage instructions

— Cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap.
— Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
— Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
— Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

Q: How do I reheat without drying it out?
A: Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Freeze after baking or before as instructed above.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Stir in 1 cup of bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in step 6.

Nothing says comfort like a hearty beef meal. If you love a classic bake, our beef shepherd’s pie and beef potato casserole are guaranteed to satisfy. For something a bit lighter but still savory, try our beef stuffed peppers or the veggie-packed beef zucchini skillet. They are perfect for when you want that beefy flavor with an extra serving of vegetables.