The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Your Whole Family Will Love
Looking for a simple, hearty, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t involve a ton of prep work or ingredients? This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. It’s cheesy, beefy, comforting, and comes together in under an hour using pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get dinner on the table fast—because great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Introduction
Weeknight dinners can be stressful, especially when you’re short on time, energy, or ingredients. That’s where this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole comes to the rescue. With just a few common pantry items—ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, sour cream, and cheese—you can whip up a hearty, cheesy casserole that feeds the whole family.
It’s the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their back pocket. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just want a budget-friendly comfort food dish, this casserole checks all the boxes. No fancy techniques. No complicated cleanup. Just delicious, crowd-pleasing food.
Tools Needed, Cooking Time, and Servings
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Colander
Serves: 6
Total Time: 40 minutes
- 20 minutes prep
- 20 minutes baking
Ingredients
This recipe is all about simplicity. Here’s all you need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
Optional additions (not counted in the 5 ingredients):
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Boil the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish while the pasta drains.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain off any excess fat for a lighter dish.
Next, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 1 cup of sour cream, and the beef-sauce mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
This sour cream step adds a tangy, creamy note that balances the tomato sauce and enriches the texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef and pasta mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Sprinkle the top generously with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it covers the surface completely for that golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes slicing and scooping much easier and allows the flavors to settle.
Serve warm with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
Want to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Since the pasta bakes again in the oven, slightly undercooking it (al dente) helps it stay firm and not mushy.
- Drain the Beef Well: Excess fat from the beef can make the casserole greasy. Drain it thoroughly for a cleaner, lighter result.
- Shred Cheese from a Block: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheddar melts beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Sour Cream: It’s the ingredient that brings creaminess and depth to this simple recipe—don’t leave it out unless substituting with a similar ingredient like Greek yogurt.
- Let It Rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest before serving helps it firm up and slice more neatly.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
This casserole is a standalone star, but it also pairs well with:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A cold pasta salad for contrast in texture
How to Store
Refrigerate:
Let the casserole cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
To freeze, wrap the baking dish tightly in foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout (about 15–20 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and place it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is the best substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also try cottage cheese or cream cheese, but these may slightly alter the texture.
3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms blend well with the existing flavors and add nutrition. Simply stir them into the beef mixture before combining with the pasta.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy, creamy flavor is a big hit with kids. If your kids are picky about tomato-based sauces, you can try using a creamy Alfredo sauce instead, or a mix of both.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, or even lentils or cooked mushrooms. Make sure your sauce is vegetarian as well.
Conclusion
This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—simple, quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just want reliable leftovers for the week, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
With just one skillet and one baking dish, cleanup is minimal, and the cooking process is stress-free. It’s no wonder this casserole is a go-to favorite in kitchens across the country.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and enjoy a hearty homemade meal tonight. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying.
