One-pan comfort food that brings your family to the table
This ultimate cheesy ground beef casserole is the epitome of comfort food. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and golden-brown cheese crust, it's the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Perfect for busy families, this casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The rich beef and cheese layers create a satisfying texture that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of flavors - savory beef, tangy cheese, and a hint of herbs that come together beautifully. The golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want a comforting meal for your family, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving
One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time with family. The entire recipe takes just 65 minutes from start to finish.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Using ground beef and pantry staples keeps costs low while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
👥 Family-Approved
The perfect blend of meat, cheese, and sauce satisfies even the pickiest eaters in the family.
🌟 Flavor Explosion
The combination of savory beef, tangy cheese, and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Family comfort food with big flavor
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground beef
- - 1 cup chopped onion
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 cup tomato sauce
- - 1 cup milk
- - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- - 1 cup breadcrumbs
- - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- - Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
💡 Use non-stick spray for easier cleanup
Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
💡 Use a slotted spoon to remove solids
Add Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
💡 The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
Layer: Pour mixture into prepared dish. Top with half the cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and remaining cheese.
💡 Press crumbs gently to avoid cracks
Bake: Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Cover with foil if browning too quickly
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ground Beef
Use 85/15 lean ground beef for best flavor and texture. Ground chuck works well too.
Substitutions: Ground turkey or bison for lighter flavor
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar provides the best melt and flavor. You can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as alternatives.
Substitutions: Pre-grated cheese works, but fresh shred melts better
Tomato Sauce
Use your favorite brand for base flavor. For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Substitutions: Marinara or pizza sauce work well
Breadcrumbs
Panko provides excellent crunch. You can use crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for a different texture.
Substitutions: Gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs
Pro Tips for Perfect Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
🧀 Cheese Layering
Add cheese in two layers for maximum melty goodness. The top layer creates the golden crust.
🔥 Baking Temperature
Avoid high heat to prevent burning. 375°F ensures even cooking and perfect browning.
🧂 Seasoning
Taste the sauce before adding cheese. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
⏱️ Resting Time
Letting it rest 10 minutes allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Option
Replace beef with 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and mashed. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami flavor.
Spicy Version
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the sauce or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.
Dairy-Free
Use vegan cheese and substitute milk with almond milk. Choose a meatless ground alternative.
Protein Boost
Add 1 cup cooked and crumbled egg whites or 1/2 cup cooked quinoa to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the rich beef and cheese
- Steamed Green Beans: Adds fresh, crisp contrast to the dish
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp lager beer. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with lime.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time as the dish will be cold.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven rather than microwave to maintain the golden crust. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my casserole too dry?
A: The sauce may have evaporated too much. Next time reduce oven temperature to 350°F or cover with foil during baking.
Q: How to prevent cheese from burning?
A: Place casserole on the lower oven rack and cover with foil if browning too quickly. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for golden crust.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
A: Yes, but drain excess fat before adding to sauce. Pre-cooked beef may require less cooking time.
Q: How to make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that all seasonings are gluten-free. Most store-bought tomato sauces are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This ultimate cheesy ground beef casserole is the kind of dish that brings your family to the table. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want a comforting meal, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The golden-brown crust and melty cheese layers create a dining experience that's hard to beat. Don't forget to pair it with the suggested sides for a complete meal.
