12 Hearty Ground Beef Casseroles for Easy Family Dinners
Ground beef is the ultimate weeknight hero when it comes to creating satisfying, budget-friendly meals. Casseroles, in particular, offer a wonderful way to combine protein, vegetables, and starches into a single dish that the whole family will love. In this collection, we have gathered 12 of the most beloved ground beef casserole recipes, ranging from classic comfort foods like Shepherd's Pie to modern twists like Taco Casseroles. These recipes are designed to be simple to prepare, easy to clean up, and absolutely delicious to eat. Whether you are looking for a cheesy pasta bake or a veggie-packed potato dish, you will find plenty of inspiration here for your next dinner rotation.
Classic Tater Tot Casserole
This iconic Midwestern comfort food combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crisp tater tots for a meal that children and adults alike adore. It is a one-pan wonder that is both filling and nostalgic.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •1/2 cup chopped onion
- •1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- •1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- •2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- •1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent.
- 3
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the casserole is not too oily.
- 4
4. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and garlic powder until well combined and heated through.
- 5
5. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- 6
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- 7
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows on top of the cheese until the entire surface is covered.
- 8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- 9
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
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Beefy Pasta Bake
A hearty and cheesy pasta bake that features savory ground beef tossed in a rich tomato sauce and topped with plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. This is a great alternative to lasagna for busy nights.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •16 oz penne pasta
- •24 oz marinara sauce
- •1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- •2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- •1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- •1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and boil a large pot of salted water.
- 2
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 3
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through, then drain the grease.
- 4
4. Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the beef and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 5
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and dollops of ricotta cheese.
- 6
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- 7
7. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- 8
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on the edges.
- 9
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
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Zesty Taco Casserole
This casserole packs all the flavors of a taco into a convenient baked dish. It features layers of seasoned beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and fresh toppings for a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
- •1.5 pounds ground beef
- •1 packet taco seasoning
- •1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- •1 cup corn kernels
- •2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- •2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- •1/2 cup salsa
- •Optional: sour cream, jalapeños, and lettuce for topping
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain the fat.
- 3
3. Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water, then stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa.
- 4
4. Lightly grease a baking dish and spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
- 5
5. Layer the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- 6
6. Add the remaining chips on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
- 7
7. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- 8
8. Remove from the oven and top with fresh lettuce, sour cream, and jalapeños if desired.
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Classic Shepherd's Pie
A traditional comfort meal consisting of a savory ground beef and vegetable base topped with a thick, fluffy layer of buttery mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- •1.5 pounds ground beef
- •1 onion, chopped
- •2 carrots, diced
- •1 cup frozen peas
- •2 tablespoons tomato paste
- •1 cup beef broth
- •4 cups mashed potatoes
- •1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, brown the beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink.
- 3
3. Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- 4
4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and frozen peas, simmering for 10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- 5
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
6. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the beef mixture, using a fork to create peaks for browning.
- 7
7. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- 8
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.
- 9
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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Beef and Cabbage Casserole
Known as a 'lazy' version of stuffed cabbage rolls, this casserole combines ground beef, rice, and chopped cabbage in a tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- •1 cup uncooked white rice
- •1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- •1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- •1 tablespoon brown sugar
- •1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- 3
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- 4
4. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage.
- 5
5. Spread the cooked beef and uncooked rice over the cabbage layer.
- 6
6. Top with the remaining cabbage.
- 7
7. Pour the tomato mixture evenly over everything, ensuring the rice is mostly covered by liquid.
- 8
8. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender.
- 9
9. Stir gently before serving.
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Creamy Beef Stroganoff Bake
A casserole twist on the classic Russian dish, featuring egg noodles and ground beef in a rich, sour cream mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •12 oz wide egg noodles
- •1 can cream of mushroom soup
- •1 cup sour cream
- •1/2 cup beef broth
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1 cup French fried onions
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- 3
3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the grease.
- 4
4. In a large bowl, mix the soup, sour cream, beef broth, and onion powder.
- 5
5. Fold in the cooked beef and the egg noodles until everything is coated.
- 6
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 7
7. Bake for 20 minutes.
- 8
8. Sprinkle the French fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until crispy.
- 9
9. Serve hot with a side of green beans.
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Cheeseburger Paradise Casserole
All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a single dish, featuring ground beef, pickles, bacon bits, and a mustard-infused sauce.
Ingredients
- •1.5 pounds ground beef
- •1/2 cup chopped pickles
- •1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- •1/4 cup yellow mustard
- •1/2 cup ketchup
- •3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- •1 can (12 oz) refrigerated biscuits
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
- 3
3. Stir in the mustard, ketchup, pickles, and bacon bits.
- 4
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with 2 cups of cheese.
- 5
5. Cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters and layer them over the cheese.
- 6
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- 7
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the hot biscuits and let melt.
- 8
8. Garnish with fresh sesame seeds or extra pickles if desired.
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole
An easier way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of filling individual peppers. This deconstructed version is hearty and healthy.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •2 large bell peppers, chopped
- •1 onion, chopped
- •1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- •2 cups cooked rice
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef with the chopped onions and bell peppers until the vegetables are tender.
- 3
3. Drain any excess liquid.
- 4
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, and cooked rice.
- 5
5. Mix in half of the cheese and transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- 6
6. Top with the remaining cheese.
- 7
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- 8
8. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.
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Cornbread Chili Bake
A layer of savory beef chili topped with a sweet and fluffy cornbread crust. This dish is perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- •1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with chilies
- •1 tablespoon chili powder
- •1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- •1 egg
- •1/3 cup milk
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
- 3
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, and chili powder to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 4
4. Pour the chili mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
- 5
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix by stirring in the egg and milk.
- 6
6. Spread the cornbread batter over the top of the chili.
- 7
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- 8
8. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or honey.
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Zucchini Beef Bake
A lower-carb option that swaps heavy pasta for fresh zucchini slices, layered with ground beef and a savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- •1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- •1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef and drain the grease.
- 3
3. Stir the marinara sauce and oregano into the beef.
- 4
4. Layer half of the zucchini slices in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- 5
5. Top with half of the meat sauce and half of the cheese.
- 6
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, sauce, and cheese.
- 7
7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.
- 8
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is browned.
- 9
9. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
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Shipwreck Casserole
An old-fashioned layered casserole that stacks meat, potatoes, and vegetables for a complete meal in one pan.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- •1 onion, sliced
- •1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- •1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- •1/2 cup water
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. In a greased casserole dish, layer the raw sliced potatoes first.
- 3
3. Top the potatoes with the raw ground beef, crumbling it as you go.
- 4
4. Add a layer of sliced onions and then the kidney beans.
- 5
5. In a small bowl, whisk the tomato soup and water together.
- 6
6. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- 7
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- 8
8. Check that the potatoes are tender before removing from the oven.
- 9
9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
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Ravioli Beef Bake
A clever shortcut recipe using frozen ravioli and ground beef to create a meal that tastes like hours of work but takes only minutes.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground beef
- •1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- •1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- •2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground beef and drain the fat, then stir in the pasta sauce and red pepper flakes.
- 3
3. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 4
4. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- 5
5. Top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- 6
6. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
- 7
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 8
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- 9
9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
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Wrapping Up
We hope these 12 ground beef casserole recipes bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Each of these dishes offers a unique combination of textures and spices, proving that ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick meal to throw together on a busy Tuesday, these casseroles are sure to become family favorites. Don't forget to experiment with your favorite cheeses and seasonings to make these recipes your own. Happy cooking!