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one-pan ground beef casserole - featured image

One-Pan Ground Beef Casserole: Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner

  • Author: abigail_patterson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, one-pan ground beef casserole that cooks pasta directly in the sauce for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights and families.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 8 oz (225g) uncooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 15 oz (425g) can tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: diced onions, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  2. If using aromatics like onions or garlic, add them to the beef and sauté until fragrant and soft (2 minutes).
  3. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check at 15 minutes to ensure pasta is tender.
  5. Once pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. Stir in the shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or broth if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Serve hot.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture. Freshly shred your own cheese for better melting. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. If pasta is not cooked after 18 minutes, add a quarter cup of hot water and simmer longer. Let the casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: one-pan dinner, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight meals, family friendly, quick recipes, comfort food, meal prep

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Find it online: https://purefoodeats.com/one-pan-ground-beef-casserole-easy-5-ingredient-dinner/