17 Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
If you’re short on time but still want to serve a hearty, satisfying meal, ground beef casseroles are your best friend. These one-dish wonders are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, these 17 easy ground beef casserole recipes will make dinner time a breeze.
Why Ground Beef Casseroles Are a Weeknight Favorite
Ground beef is an excellent base for casseroles—affordable, flavorful, and protein-rich. Casseroles offer a full meal in one dish, often combining meat, vegetables, starch, and cheese into a single comfort food masterpiece. They’re perfect for busy households because:
- They can be prepped ahead of time
- They freeze well for future meals
- They use common pantry ingredients
- They’re family-friendly and kid-approved
Let’s dig into 17 of the easiest and most delicious ground beef casserole recipes to add to your weekly meal lineup.
1. Classic Beef and Noodle Casserole
This timeless recipe combines seasoned ground beef with egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar. It’s creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
2. Taco Casserole
A fiesta in a dish! Layer ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, rice, black beans, corn, and cheese. Bake until bubbly, then top with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa for Tex-Mex flair.
3. Cheeseburger Casserole
All the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—ground beef, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and loads of shredded cheese—baked together with pasta or tater tots. This American classic will be a hit with the whole family.
4. Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This layered dish includes sliced potatoes, savory beef, onion, cream sauce, and cheese, making it a warm and filling meal. It’s a comforting recipe ideal for chilly nights.
5. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Skip the hassle of stuffing peppers and whip up this simplified version instead. Combine ground beef, rice, diced bell peppers, tomato sauce, and cheese for a deconstructed take on a classic favorite.
6. Beef Enchilada Casserole
Make weeknight enchiladas a snap by layering seasoned ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. It’s spicy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect served with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
7. Sloppy Joe Casserole
If your family loves Sloppy Joes, this baked version will be on repeat. Ground beef is mixed with a tangy tomato sauce, layered with biscuit dough or cornbread, and topped with melty cheese.
8. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This family-favorite casserole combines ground beef with cooked rice, tomato sauce, onions, and bell peppers. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packs flavor in every bite.
9. Spaghetti Casserole Bake
Take your pasta game to the next level by layering cooked spaghetti, ground beef marinara, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. It’s like lasagna without the fuss.
10. Tex-Mex Beef and Cornbread Casserole
This sweet and savory combo pairs ground beef and taco spices with a fluffy cornbread topping. Add black beans, corn, or jalapeños for an extra Southwestern twist.
11. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
A shortcut version of the traditional shepherd’s pie, use ground beef in place of lamb and top with creamy mashed potatoes before baking. A great way to use up leftover potatoes!
12. Broccoli & Cheese Beef Casserole
Combine cooked ground beef, steamed broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup for a comforting casserole that sneaks in veggies even picky eaters will love.
13. Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Looking for something a little lighter? Try this casserole made with ground beef, spiralized zucchini or zucchini slices, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. It’s low carb and keto-friendly.
14. Chili Mac Casserole
Think chili meets mac and cheese. This casserole is packed with seasoned beef, elbow pasta, beans, chili spice, and loads of cheese. It’s bold, flavorful, and totally tummy-warming.
15. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Swap out hoagie rolls for pasta or a low-carb base and load it with ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese. A fun twist on a favorite sandwich.
16. Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Classic flavors of stroganoff—ground beef, mushrooms, sour cream, and egg noodles—come together in this ultra-creamy casserole. A great make-ahead dish the whole family will enjoy.
17. Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
This cheesy, saucy pasta bake is always a crowd-pleaser. Layer cooked ziti with ground beef, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbling. Serve with garlic bread for the full effect.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Always cook ground beef until fully browned and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Use precooked ingredients: Save time by using cooked pasta, canned beans, or frozen veggies.
- Balance your flavors: Use spices, herbs, and seasoning mixes to enhance the taste without adding too much salt.
- Layer strategically: When using starches (like potatoes or pasta), always start or end with a layer of cheese for a golden-brown top.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to eat. Most casseroles also freeze well pre- or post-baking.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef casseroles are a game changer for busy weeknights. They’re easy to assemble, full of flavor, and customizable to your preferences or dietary needs. By keeping a pound of ground beef in your fridge or freezer and a few pantry staples on hand, you can always whip up a meal that’s delicious and deeply comforting.
From cheesy pasta bakes to veggie-packed layers, these 17 easy ground beef casserole recipes will take the stress out of weekday cooking and have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
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