Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this easy baked casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potluck dinners. Ready in under an hour, it’s a hearty meal everyone will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, drained (canned or thawed frozen)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Season the Filling
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, corn, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Combine
Add the cooked spaghetti to the beef mixture and toss until evenly coated with the seasoned meat and vegetables.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is completely melted and lightly golden.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips for Success
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente so it doesn’t become overly soft while baking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For a spicy kick, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a delicious variation.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.