18 Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipes for Cozy Nights
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven on a chilly evening. These ground beef casseroles bring families together around the dinner table.
Each recipe combines tender ground beef with wholesome ingredients to create satisfying meals that everyone will love.
01. Spicy Mexican Enchilada Bake
This protein-packed Mexican casserole delivers bold flavors without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 8 corn tortillas, 2 cups enchilada sauce, 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 can black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Spicy Mexican Enchilada Bake
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in drained black beans and corn, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Layer half the corn tortillas in your prepared baking dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly over top. Pour enchilada sauce over everything and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.
02. Hearty Broccoli Beef Hash Brown Bake
This Minnesota-inspired hotdish combines savory ground beef with roasted broccoli under crispy hash browns. A complete comfort meal in one dish.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 4 cups frozen hash browns, 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Hearty Broccoli Beef Hash Brown Bake
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 15 minutes until edges are lightly caramelized and tender-crisp, which adds incredible depth of flavor.
2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir the roasted broccoli into the beef mixture along with cream of mushroom soup and half the cheese. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top evenly with frozen hash browns. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the hash browns for extra richness.
5. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until hash browns are golden brown and crispy on top, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
03. Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
Classic shepherd’s pie gets a healthy makeover with creamy mashed cauliflower topping. All the comfort with fewer carbs and amazing flavor.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 large head cauliflower, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
1. Cut cauliflower into chunks and steam until very tender, about 12-15 minutes. Mash with heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, just like mashed potatoes.
2. Brown ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and garlic. Cook until onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add frozen vegetables and beef broth. Simmer until liquid reduces slightly and vegetables are heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Spread the mashed cauliflower evenly over the beef mixture right in the same skillet. Use a fork to create ridges on top for extra browning.
5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling underneath.
04. One-Pan Skillet Lasagna
All the flavors of traditional lasagna without the tedious layering process. This skillet version makes weeknight Italian cooking incredibly simple.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 12 oz broken lasagna noodles, 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
How To Make One-Pan Skillet Lasagna
1. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and onion is translucent.
2. Add broken lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and 2 cups water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally until noodles are tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese and Italian seasoning until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and well-coated with sauce.
4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
05. Summer Vegetable Tater Tot Casserole
Peak-season vegetables shine in this colorful casserole topped with crispy potato puffs. Summer comfort food at its absolute finest.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 4 cups frozen tater tots, 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 2 diced zucchini, 2 diced tomatoes, 1½ cups shredded cheese, 1 can cream of celery soup, 1 diced onion, salt and pepper.
How To Make Summer Vegetable Tater Tot Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and brown ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is cooked through and onion is soft, about 8 minutes.
2. Add diced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and cream of celery soup until everything is well combined.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheese over the vegetable and beef mixture.
4. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top, then sprinkle with remaining cheese for extra indulgence and flavor.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
06. Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Traditional shepherd’s pie meets southwestern flavors in this creative comfort food mashup. Cilantro-lime sweet potatoes make the perfect topping.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 3 large sweet potatoes, 1 can black beans, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 diced jalapeño, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 diced onion, ½ cup beef broth, salt and pepper.
How To Make Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes, then boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Mash with lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth and flavorful.
2. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and jalapeño. Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained black beans and beef broth, simmering until liquid reduces slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Spread the cilantro-lime sweet potato mixture evenly over the beef filling, creating decorative peaks with a fork for beautiful browning.
5. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potato topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling underneath.
07. Inside-Out Ravioli Skillet Lasagna
Fresh cheese ravioli transforms into an easy skillet lasagna with no layering required. Ultimate weeknight comfort food made simple.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 package fresh cheese ravioli, 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic, fresh basil leaves, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
How To Make Inside-Out Ravioli Skillet Lasagna
1. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then carefully nestle the fresh ravioli into the sauce.
3. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until ravioli are tender and cooked through, stirring gently once halfway through to prevent sticking.
4. Remove from heat and dot the top with fresh mozzarella pearls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for maximum cheesy goodness.
5. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.
08. Zesty Mexican Beef Pasta Bake
Hearty pasta bake loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors that kids absolutely adore. Topped with creamy cilantro-lime sauce for extra richness.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 12 oz penne pasta, 1 can black beans, 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 diced onion, taco seasoning packet.
How To Make Zesty Mexican Beef Pasta Bake
1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, brown ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add taco seasoning to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in drained black beans and cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
3. Mix sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl to create the creamy topping sauce that makes this dish extra special.
4. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with half the cheese. Dollop the cilantro-lime cream over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown.
09. Cheesy Beef and Cauliflower Comfort Bake
Ground beef and tender cauliflower create a hearty, family-friendly casserole. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream for extra fun.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 large head cauliflower, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, ½ cup milk, paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Cheesy Beef and Cauliflower Comfort Bake
1. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and steam until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. You want them cooked but still holding their shape for the best texture.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir cream of mushroom soup and milk into the beef mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Add steamed cauliflower and half the cheese, mixing gently to combine.
4. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with paprika for color and extra flavor.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is heated through and bubbling.
10. Mild Beef Enchilada Casserole
This veggie-packed enchilada casserole keeps things mild for the whole family. Extra cheese sauce makes it irresistibly creamy and delicious.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 12 corn tortillas, 2 cups mild enchilada sauce, 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced onion, 1 can corn, 1 cup sour cream, cumin, chili powder, salt.
How To Make Mild Beef Enchilada Casserole
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened and beef is cooked through, about 8 minutes.
2. Season the beef mixture with cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir in drained corn and half the enchilada sauce, mixing until everything is well coated.
3. Layer half the corn tortillas in a greased 9×13 baking dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly over top. Add remaining tortillas as the next layer.
4. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with cheese. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning during the initial baking time.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve with dollops of sour cream.
11. Classic Broccoli Beef Tater Tot Hotdish
This Minnesota tradition deserves a spot in every fall dinner rotation. Cheesy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible on cold nights.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 4 cups frozen tater tots, 3 cups frozen broccoli, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced onion, ½ cup milk, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
How To Make Classic Broccoli Beef Tater Tot Hotdish
1. Brown ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is cooked through and onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add frozen broccoli to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until thawed and heated through. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a creamy base.
3. Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle with half the cheese for extra richness throughout the casserole.
4. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top, then sprinkle with remaining cheese. This creates the perfect crispy, cheesy topping that makes hotdish so beloved.
5. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
12. Greek-Style One-Skillet Pastitsio
Classic Greek comfort food made healthier and easier in one skillet. All the traditional flavors with whole grains and less cleanup.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 12 oz whole wheat penne, 1 cup low-fat milk, 2 tablespoons flour, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
How To Make Greek-Style One-Skillet Pastitsio
1. Cook whole wheat penne according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. The whole grain pasta adds great texture and nutrition to this classic dish.
2. Brown lean ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the beef with oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, and nutmeg for authentic Greek flavors. Stir in the cooked pasta, mixing everything together until well combined.
4. Whisk flour into the low-fat milk until smooth, then pour over the pasta mixture. Add half the Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy and well coated.
5. Top with remaining Parmesan and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling throughout.
13. Herb-Crusted Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Fresh herbs and Worcestershire sauce elevate this quick-cooking shepherd’s pie. Sweet potato topping adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 3 large sweet potatoes, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, beef broth, butter, salt and pepper.
How To Make Herb-Crusted Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes, then boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Mash with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, creating the perfect topping.
2. Brown ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme to the beef, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in frozen peas and carrots with a splash of beef broth.
4. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the beef mixture, using a fork to create decorative ridges that will brown beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potato topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling underneath.
14. Skillet Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Comfort food the whole family loves, assembled and baked in one skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes for perfect weeknight dining.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, 2 cups cooked rice, 1 can cream of broccoli soup, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced onion, garlic powder, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
How To Make Skillet Beef and Broccoli Casserole
1. Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. You want them cooked but still with a slight bite for the best texture in the finished casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion. Cook until beef is cooked through and onion is soft, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cream of broccoli soup. Season with garlic powder, a splash of soy sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
4. Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly for consistent melting and that perfect golden top we all love.
5. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through and golden on top.
15. Basil Meatball Casserole
Family-favorite meatball casserole with fresh basil and grated onion for moisture. Melted mozzarella creates the perfect cheesy finish.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 grated onion, ¼ cup fresh basil, 1 egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 3 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
How To Make Basil Meatball Casserole
1. Mix ground beef, grated onion, chopped fresh basil, egg, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
2. Form the mixture into 20-24 meatballs, rolling them between your palms for even cooking. Brown the meatballs in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, turning to brown all sides.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, making sure they’re mostly covered. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
4. Remove from heat and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, distributing evenly for consistent melting throughout the casserole.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and meatballs are cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
16. Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Tender spaghetti squash strands replace pasta in this flavorful casserole. Nutty fontina cheese melts into an absolutely irresistible topping.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 large spaghetti squash, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup fontina cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt and pepper.
How To Make Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole
1. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush with olive oil and roast cut-side down at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced.
2. Let squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the flesh in long strands. The strands should come out easily and look just like spaghetti noodles.
3. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add spaghetti squash strands, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Top with fontina and Parmesan cheeses, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden brown and melted into a gorgeous, bubbly topping.
17. Traditional Beef Lasagna
Classic beef lasagna recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make. Ready to eat in just over an hour for authentic Italian comfort.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 12 lasagna noodles, 3 cups marinara sauce, 15 oz ricotta cheese, 3 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
How To Make Traditional Beef Lasagna
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.
2. Brown ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is cooked through and vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture, simmering for 5 minutes to blend flavors. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer half the noodles in a greased 9×13 baking dish, then spread ricotta mixture over noodles. Add half the meat sauce and half the mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat layers, ending with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, removing foil for last 10 minutes until golden.
18. Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Casserole
All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling process. Chopped cabbage layers beautifully with savory beef filling.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium head cabbage, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 diced onion, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 cups shredded cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
How To Make Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Casserole
1. Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a large skillet with a little oil until slightly softened but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef with diced onion in the same skillet over medium heat until beef is cooked through and onion is translucent, about 8 minutes total.
3. Stir cooked rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the beef mixture. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, simmering until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Layer half the sautéed cabbage in a greased 9×13 baking dish, then spread the beef and rice mixture evenly over top. Add remaining cabbage as the final layer.
5. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown, and the casserole is heated through and bubbling.
Final Thoughts
These hearty ground beef casseroles prove that comfort food can be both delicious and easy to prepare. Each recipe brings warmth to your dinner table.
From classic favorites to creative twists, you’ll find the perfect casserole for any occasion or craving in your kitchen.
