Ingredients
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
-
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart while cooking.
-
Add diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef with seasoning.
-
Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Mix well and reduce heat to medium.
-
Add cream cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Mix in sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
-
Stir the cooked pasta into the beef mixture. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella and mix until combined.
-
Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
-
Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
-
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy casserole.
For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce.
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 15 minutes
- Method: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American