A hearty, budget-friendly, family favorite made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta (or potatoes), rich tomato sauce, and a golden cheesy top. It’s easy to scale for big trays — perfect for busy days at the restaurant or meal prep at home.
📜 A Little History
Ground-beef casseroles became popular in mid-20th-century America when oven bakes and one-dish meals were convenient for families. As casseroles spread across the United States, every region created its own version — from pasta bakes to potato-based dishes — all centered around affordable ground beef and melted cheese.
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Main
- 500 g ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or macaroni) or 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🧀 Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
🥛 Optional Creamy Boost
- ½ cup sour cream or ½ cup béchamel sauce
👨🍳 Method & Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Base
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté onion until soft; add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Starch
- If using pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente; drain.
- If using potatoes: Slice thinly and parboil 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Formation (Layering)
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- In a greased baking dish:
- Layer half pasta/potatoes
- Add half beef mixture
- Add optional sour cream/béchamel
- Repeat layers
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake 25–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
🌿 Benefits
✔ High protein
✔ Filling and energizing
✔ Easy to customize
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Great for large portions
Perfect if you’ve been busy with studies and work — it reheats beautifully.
❤️ Why People Love It
- Cheesy crust
- Savory beef flavor
- Simple ingredients
- Comforting texture
- Kid-friendly
💡 Professional Restaurant Tips
Since you work in food service, try this upgraded version:
- Add a layer of ricotta for richness
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms for depth
- Use smoked paprika for stronger aroma
- Finish with fresh parsley before serving
- Let it rest before cutting for clean squares
🔥 Variations
- Mexican style: Add cumin, chili powder, black beans, and jalapeños
- Italian style: Add basil and use marinara
- Healthy version: Use whole wheat pasta and lean beef
- Moroccan twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cumin with fresh coriander
🎯 Conclusion
Ground Beef Casserole is simple, comforting, and always satisfying. It transforms basic ingredients into a warm, family-style dish that everyone enjoys. Whether for home dinner or a large tray service, it’s reliable and delicious.