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A hearty Lazy Night Ground Beef Casserole fresh from the oven, bubbling and browned.

Classic Lazy Night Ground Beef Casserole

This Classic Lazy Night Ground Beef Casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal, combining savory ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness in one dish. It's an ideal comforting meal for a busy weeknight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce), undrained
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8-ounce)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles or small pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack blend)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Stir uncooked pasta directly into the beef mixture.
  6. Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish; optionally, dollop or swirl in sour cream.
  7. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown; tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This casserole reheats well, making it great for meal prep.