Ground beef casseroles are the answer to those nights when we want something warm, filling, and ready without fuss. They check all the boxes: affordable, easy to prep ahead, and guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy.
You can build them with pasta, rice, potatoes, or even tortillas—and they always come out cozy and satisfying.
This collection covers everything from cheesy pasta bakes to Tex-Mex layers and one-dish dinners that practically make themselves. Some are classics, some are clever twists, but all of them make the most of what’s already in the fridge. When the day gets hectic, these casseroles show up big.
1. Classic Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake
Elbow pasta, seasoned ground beef, marinara, and melty cheese baked until bubbly.
This is the no-fail casserole we all come back to. The beef gets cooked with onion and garlic, then mixed with pasta and sauce. Topped with mozzarella and baked until golden, it’s fast, cozy, and crowd-friendly—perfect for feeding picky eaters or packing lunch the next day.
Why this recipe works
- Familiar flavors that always satisfy
- Easy to prep ahead or freeze
- Cheese and sauce keep everything juicy
What we need
- Ground beef
- Elbow pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Onion
2. Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
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Layers of thin-sliced potatoes and beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
This one feels like comfort in a baking dish. The beef is browned and seasoned, then layered with sliced potatoes and a simple white sauce. Baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden, it’s hearty without being heavy.
Why this recipe works
- A great way to stretch ingredients
- Slices beautifully for leftovers
- Feels classic, rustic, and cozy
What we need
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Milk or cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
3. Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole
A bold, cheesy bake with rice, beans, salsa, and ground beef.
We cook the beef with onion and mix it with rice, black beans, salsa, and cheese. It bakes up into a warm, spicy casserole that’s full of flavor and texture. Top it with sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flair.
Why this recipe works
- Everything cooks together in one dish
- Feeds a crowd and reheats well
- Customizable heat level with salsa or chiles
What we need
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
4. Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole
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Crispy tots on top, creamy beef filling underneath—it’s a family favorite.
Ground beef gets cooked with peas, carrots, and a creamy sauce, then topped with tater tots and baked until golden and crisp. It’s playful, comforting, and hits the sweet spot between nostalgic and delicious.
Why this recipe works
- Tater tots add crunch and kid appeal
- Uses frozen veggies and pantry staples
- Comfort food that’s still easy to prep
What we need
- Ground beef
- Tater tots
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cheddar cheese
5. Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Layered tortillas, beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese—like lasagna, but Tex-Mex.
We brown the beef with taco seasoning, then layer it with corn tortillas, sauce, and cheese. After baking, it’s saucy, melty, and easy to slice. Serve with a side of rice or just dig in straight from the dish.
Why this recipe works
- Easier than rolling individual enchiladas
- Layered format makes it easy to portion
- Big flavor with just a few ingredients
What we need
- Ground beef
- Enchilada sauce
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Onion
6. Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bake
Tender rice, savory beef, and broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
This one hits the comfort zone while still sneaking in some greens. We stir together cooked rice, browned beef, lightly steamed broccoli, and a creamy cheese mixture, then bake it until hot and bubbly. Great for weeknights or make-ahead lunches.
Why this recipe works
- Rice and broccoli stretch the beef
- Creamy, cheesy base keeps it from drying out
- Kid-friendly and balanced
What we need
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Broccoli florets
- Cream of cheddar or cream cheese
- Shredded cheese
7. Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
A lighter twist with sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, and beef topped with cheese.
We cook ground beef with garlic and tomatoes, then layer it with thin zucchini slices and top with cheese. Baked until bubbly, it’s simple, wholesome, and lower-carb without giving up that casserole coziness.
Why this recipe works
- Uses up fresh zucchini in a clever way
- Tomato and cheese give it Italian vibes
- Feels lighter but still filling
What we need
- Ground beef
- Zucchini
- Diced tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
8. Stuffed Pepper Ground Beef Casserole
All the flavors of stuffed peppers—no stuffing required.
We skip the work of stuffing and layer everything into one dish. Browned beef gets mixed with rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked until tender and melty. It’s colorful, easy, and great when you want those stuffed pepper vibes without all the steps.
Why this recipe works
- Less prep than classic stuffed peppers
- A full meal in one baking dish
- Great for freezing or meal prep
What we need
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
9. Cheeseburger Casserole
All the comfort of a cheeseburger baked into a bubbly pasta dish.
We brown beef with onions and mustard, then stir in pasta, tomato sauce, and cheddar. It bakes into a rich, tangy, melty dish that tastes like your favorite burger—but in fork-friendly form. Add pickles or ketchup on top if you’re feeling bold.
Why this recipe works
- Hits all the cheeseburger flavors
- Kids love it, adults do too
- Fast to throw together on a weeknight
What we need
- Ground beef
- Pasta (like rotini or shells)
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Onion
10. French Onion Ground Beef Casserole
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Savory, cheesy, and full of caramelized onion flavor—it’s surprisingly addicting.
We mix ground beef with caramelized onions and beef broth, then stir in sour cream and pasta. Topped with crispy fried onions and baked, it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with bold flavor. Great for a cozy dinner when you want something different.
Why this recipe works
- Caramelized onions add deep, savory flavor
- Crispy topping gives it texture
- Feels indulgent but comes together fast
What we need
- Ground beef
- Yellow onions
- Sour cream
- Pasta
- French fried onions
11. Italian Ground Beef and Spinach Bake
Layers of beef, spinach, tomato sauce, and ricotta for a lighter lasagna-style dinner.
We sauté beef with garlic and tomato sauce, then layer it with ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s lasagna without the noodles—still satisfying, but with fewer carbs and more veggies. Bake until bubbly and dig in.
Why this recipe works
- Packs in veggies without feeling too “healthy”
- Creamy ricotta and tomato keep it moist
- Great way to use frozen spinach
What we need
- Ground beef
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Ricotta cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
12. BBQ Ground Beef and Cornbread Casserole
Sweet, tangy beef baked under a golden cornbread topping.
We simmer beef in BBQ sauce, stir in corn or beans, then pour cornbread batter right on top and bake until golden. It’s a little sweet, a little smoky, and definitely filling. Feels like a potluck classic with none of the stress.
Why this recipe works
- Cornbread bakes right on top—no extra pans
- Sweet BBQ flavor contrasts with savory beef
- Feels Southern and homey
What we need
- Ground beef
- BBQ sauce
- Corn or beans
- Cornbread mix
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
13. Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Layers of tortilla chips, beef, beans, cheese, and taco sauce in one epic dish.
This is like taco night turned into a full-on baked meal. The chips stay crisp around the edges, the middle turns gooey, and the toppings pull it all together. Great for a casual dinner or a crowd—it disappears fast.
Why this recipe works
- Big flavor with simple ingredients
- Crunchy + cheesy = instant win
- Totally customizable with toppings
What we need
- Ground beef
- Tortilla chips
- Refried or black beans
- Taco sauce
- Shredded cheese
14. Ground Beef and Macaroni Bake
Old-school comfort food with elbow noodles, beef, tomatoes, and cheese.
We brown beef with onion, stir in canned tomatoes and cooked macaroni, and bake it all with a blanket of cheese on top. It’s like grown-up Hamburger Helper but still warm, cheesy, and totally unfussy.
Why this recipe works
- Pantry staples turn into something cozy
- Great texture from soft noodles + browned cheese
- Feeds a hungry family on a budget
What we need
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Shredded cheese
15. Sloppy Joe Casserole
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All the messy, saucy goodness of Sloppy Joes—baked into a cheesy casserole.
We cook ground beef with ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for that signature Sloppy Joe flavor, then mix it with pasta or layer it under a cheesy biscuit or bread topping. It’s sweet, savory, gooey, and just messy enough to feel nostalgic.
Why this recipe works
- Sloppy Joe mix is super fast to make
- Feels like a retro favorite in casserole form
- Fun way to get creative with leftovers
What we need
- Ground beef
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Biscuit dough or pasta
16. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Sautéed onions, peppers, and ground beef baked with a creamy cheese sauce.
We cook beef with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then stir in cream cheese or provolone. Everything’s topped with shredded cheese and baked until golden. It gives you those cheesesteak vibes with way less work—and way fewer sandwich crumbs.
Why this recipe works
- Cream cheese creates a luscious filling
- Bell peppers add flavor and crunch
- Great low-carb option if you skip bread or pasta
What we need
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Cream cheese
- Provolone or mozzarella
17. Ground Beef and Cauliflower Bake
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A lighter casserole that still feels hearty thanks to cheesy, seasoned beef and tender cauliflower.
We brown beef and mix it with garlic, tomato paste, and steamed cauliflower, then bake with cheese until bubbly. It’s veggie-forward but still totally satisfying—and a good change of pace from pasta or rice.
Why this recipe works
- Cauliflower lightens it up without losing comfort
- Low-carb friendly but not bland
- Sauce and cheese make it indulgent
What we need
- Ground beef
- Cauliflower florets
- Tomato paste or sauce
- Garlic
- Cheddar or mozzarella
18. Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
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A pasta-night classic—saucy, cheesy, and impossible not to love.
We cook beef in marinara, mix it with al dente ziti, then bake it with layers of mozzarella and ricotta until melty and golden. It’s Italian comfort food at its easiest, and always hits when you need something familiar and filling.
Why this recipe works
- Melty cheese and pasta are a guaranteed win
- Great for make-ahead or freezing
- Easy to double for a crowd
What we need
- Ground beef
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
19. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Casserole
A nutrient-packed casserole with earthy sweet potatoes and rich, seasoned beef.
We cook beef with onion and garlic, layer it with roasted or mashed sweet potatoes, and top with cheese or breadcrumbs. It’s hearty but balanced, with natural sweetness and savory depth in every bite.
Why this recipe works
- Sweet potatoes add a healthy twist
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt
- Great for meal prep or reheating
What we need
- Ground beef
- Sweet potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cheese or breadcrumbs
20. Mediterranean Ground Beef Casserole
Seasoned beef layered with rice, tomatoes, herbs, and feta for a fresh twist.
We cook ground beef with garlic, oregano, and tomatoes, then layer it with cooked rice and top with feta cheese and olives. It’s bright, savory, and feels different from the usual casserole lineup. Add a cucumber yogurt sauce on the side and it’s a full Mediterranean-style dinner.
Why this recipe works
- Mediterranean flavors are bold and fresh
- Feta adds creaminess and tang
- Feels lighter but still super filling
What we need
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Feta cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
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