Ground Beef Casserole

For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or cornflakes
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: Extra cheese or breadcrumbs

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use leftover cooked pasta or rice—great for reducing food waste!
• Drain excess fat after browning beef for best texture.
• Freshly shred cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Hearty, Cheesy, Foolproof)

1. Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 mins until soft.
• Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 mins.

3. Combine & Assemble

• In a large bowl, mix beef mixture, cooked pasta (or rice), and 1 cup of cheese.
• Spread evenly into baking dish.
• Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.

4. Add Topping & Bake

• Mix cracker crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over casserole.
• Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and topping is golden.
• Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• 🥗 Classic pairing: With a simple green salad or steamed broccoli
• 🍞 Extra comfort: Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up sauce
• 🌶️ Spicy kick: Hot sauce or pickled jalapeños on top
• 🧈 Creamy finish: Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Assemble unbaked; cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Bake as directed (+10 mins).
• Freeze: Baked or unbaked casserole freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight; reheat covered at 350°F.
• Leftovers: Keep up to 4 days—reheat in oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions