Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole: A Quick and Easy Family Favorite

Imagine a close-up of a cheesy ground beef casserole fresh from the oven, its golden-brown cheese bubbling invitingly. Now, imagine preparing that dish in just 30 minutes using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. That’s the magic of this budget-friendly ground beef casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending a lot of time or money. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for an easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Casseroles are a lifesaver for anyone who loves hearty, one-dish meals. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and can be made with pantry staples, making them ideal for budget-conscious cooks. This particular ground beef casserole is no exception. It’s:

• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned marinara sauce.
• Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes (or close to it), making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a double batch and save some for later!

Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce (canned or jarred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for 10 minutes (it should be slightly underdone to avoid getting mushy in the casserole).
3. Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and sauté for about 10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and the onion is tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and warm through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine and assemble: Drain the cooked pasta and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. Spread the mixture evenly, then top with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crispy top, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	538 kcal
Carbohydrates	61 g
Protein	34 g
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Cholesterol	77 mg
Sodium	551 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your tastes or whatever you have in your kitchen. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for some heat. This is a great way to give the dish a little kick if your family loves bold flavors.
• Add vegetables: Boost the nutrition by mixing in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of spinach. These can be sautéed with the beef and onions or stirred in before baking.
• Switch up the pasta: While penne works great, you can also use rotini, fusilli, or even egg noodles for a different texture. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft in the oven.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble the casserole, let it cool, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or marinara if the pasta seems dry.
• Cheese variations: If you don’t have cheddar, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Make it meatless: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Why This Recipe Works

This ground beef casserole is all about simplicity and flavor. By using pantry staples like canned marinara sauce and dried pasta, you can whip up a hearty meal without needing to shop for specialty ingredients. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the short cooking time ensures it’s perfect for even the busiest days. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or use up whatever vegetables you have on hand.

The recipe’s quick prep time—about 10 minutes of active cooking followed by a short bake—makes it a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. The use of lean ground beef keeps it relatively light, while the marinara sauce adds a familiar, comforting flavor that appeals to all ages. The final touch of melted cheddar cheese creates that irresistible, bubbly top that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Comparison with Other Recipes

While there are many ground beef casserole recipes out there, this one stands out for its speed and simplicity. For example:

• Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole uses egg noodles, sour cream, and cream cheese for a creamier texture but takes about an hour to prepare due to longer simmering and baking times.
• The Recipe Rebel’s Ground Beef Casserole includes a cream cheese sauce and red bell peppers, adding extra flavor but requiring more steps and about 45 minutes total.
• Southern Living’s Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole is rich and freezer-friendly but takes over an hour with its layered preparation.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can round out the meal with a few simple sides:

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or homemade Italian dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a side of sautéed green beans add color and nutrition.

For a fun twist, you can serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of freshness.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, or in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of marinara to keep it moist.
• Freezer: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
• Reheating tip: If the pasta absorbs too much sauce during storage, add a little extra marinara or water when reheating to restore its saucy texture.

This budget-friendly ground beef casserole is a family favorite for a reason—it’s easy, delicious, and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, this dish is sure to please. Its quick preparation and use of pantry staples make it a no-brainer for busy weeknights, while its cheesy, comforting flavors ensure it’s a hit at the dinner table. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your creations with us using #CheapGroundBeefRecipes #HamburgerMeals #EasyDinners.