Classic Ground Beef Casserole
Classic Ground Beef Casserole made with ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, pasta, cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, olive oil, and parsley.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 450 g
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce 240 g
- 1 cup beef broth 240 ml
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked pasta elbows, rotini, or any short pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
Prepare the oven and baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the onion.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened.
Brown the ground beef.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add the garlic and sauce ingredients.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
Simmer the mixture.
- Allow the beef mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can blend and the sauce can slightly thicken.
Add the sour cream.
- Stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Transfer to the baking dish.
- Spoon the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.
Add the cheese topping.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Rest before serving.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish and serve.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the regular pasta with certified gluten-free short pasta, such as gluten-free elbows, rotini, penne, or shells.
Use a certified gluten-free beef broth, as some broths may contain wheat-based flavorings or additives.
Check the tomato sauce label to ensure it is gluten-free and does not contain gluten-based thickeners or seasoning blends.
Confirm that the Italian seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and parsley are gluten-free.
If using pre-shredded cheese, review the label carefully, as some brands may use anti-caking ingredients that are not certified gluten-free.
Prepare the casserole with clean cookware, utensils, cutting boards, and baking dishes to prevent cross-contamination, especially if cooking for someone with celiac disease or a strong gluten sensitivity.