Ground Beef Casserole Recipes 11 Easy Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Q: What is Dolly Parton casserole?

The 'Dolly Parton Casserole' is a popular, super-simple 5-ingredient dish. It consists of distinct layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cooked ground beef, sliced onions, sliced green bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. It's known for being incredibly easy and budget-friendly, using basic ingredients to create a hearty, layered meal without any sauces or cheese.

Q: What is John Wayne casserole made of?

A John Wayne Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex dish. It typically starts with a biscuit or cornbread crust, followed by a layer of seasoned ground beef. The most distinct layer is a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese. It's often topped with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, creating a savory, multi-textured comfort food classic.

Q: Can I freeze a ground beef casserole before baking?

Yes, most ground beef casseroles are excellent for freezing. For best results, assemble the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can bake it from frozen, adding about 30-45 minutes to the original baking time, or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first.

Tired of staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how to turn that package of ground beef into something exciting? You’re not alone. The weeknight dinner rut is real, leaving you feeling uninspired and short on time. It’s a constant cycle of the same three or four meals, none of which spark much joy for you or your family. You need something simple, satisfying, and reliable—a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

As a busy home cook myself, I know the 5 PM scramble is real. That’s why I’ve curated this list of my go-to, no-fail ground beef casseroles that save time without sacrificing flavor. These aren’t just recipes; they’re your secret weapon against weeknight dinner boredom.

Ground beef casseroles are a top choice for easy, comforting weeknight meals because they are versatile, budget-friendly, and simple to prepare. They combine protein, starches, and vegetables in one satisfying dish, often using common pantry staples and requiring minimal hands-on time. Get ready to discover a collection of cozy, family-approved dinners that will make you look forward to cooking again.

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Why These Casseroles are a Weeknight Game-Changer

These recipes are more than just delicious; they are designed to make your life easier. They tackle the biggest weeknight challenges—time, budget, and cleanup—head-on, delivering maximum comfort with minimal fuss.

One-Dish Wonder: The beauty of a casserole is that everything cooks together in a single dish. This means fewer pots and pans to scrub, giving you more time to relax after dinner.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Many of these casseroles can be fully assembled ahead of time. Just pop them in the oven when you get home. They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. I love making a double batch and freezing one for a future night when I know I’ll be too busy to cook.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and these recipes are designed to stretch it further by combining it with inexpensive pantry staples like pasta, potatoes, and rice. You can feed a whole family a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: From cheesy and creamy to savory and zesty, these casseroles are packed with comforting flavors that kids and adults love. You won’t have to worry about making separate meals for picky eaters.

11 Easy & Cozy Ground Beef Casserole Recipes (Updated for 2025)

Ready to find your new family favorite? I’ve gathered the absolute best ground beef casserole recipes, from timeless classics that taste like childhood to exciting new variations that will spice up your dinner routine. Each one has been tested and approved by my own family, so you can be confident they’ll be a hit at your table, too. There’s a cozy, delicious meal here for everyone.

1. The Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

This dish is the definition of classic comfort food. A savory ground beef mixture is topped with a blanket of melted cheese and a perfectly crispy, golden layer of tater tots.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the beef mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
6. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for another 5 minutes, until melted.

Pro-Tip: For an extra crispy topping, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Pin this classic comfort food recipe for your next family dinner!

2. Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

This casserole combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting satisfaction of a pasta bake. It’s a fun and easy twist for Taco Tuesday that the whole family will devour.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup salsa, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained), 8 oz penne pasta (cooked al dente), 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the seasoned beef, cooked pasta, salsa, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcook your pasta initially. Cooking it ‘al dente’ (with a slight bite) prevents it from getting mushy after baking in the sauce.

Save this zesty Taco Tuesday upgrade to your dinner board!

3. Old-Fashioned Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe is a nostalgic hug in a dish, layering creamy spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a result that’s even better than the original.

Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti, 1 lb ground beef, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
2. While pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the softened cream cheese and sour cream until well coated.
4. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then half of the mozzarella.
5. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, remaining meat sauce, and top with the final cup of mozzarella.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro-Tip: For the best flavor, use a good quality marinara sauce or your favorite homemade version. It makes a huge difference in the final taste.

Bring back a taste of childhood! Pin this comforting classic now.

4. Hearty Shepherd’s Pie

Technically a Cottage Pie when made with beef, this dish is the ultimate cozy meal, featuring a rich and savory beef and vegetable filling topped with a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato crust.

Ingredients: For filling: 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables. For topping: 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1/2 cup milk, 4 tbsp butter, salt and pepper.
Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes until tender; drain. Mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain fat.
3. Stir in flour and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
4. Stir in the frozen vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
6. Use a fork to create decorative peaks on the potato topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the potato peaks are golden brown.

Pro-Tip: For a richer flavor in the filling, add a splash of red wine with the beef broth. For extra golden-brown potatoes, brush the top with a little melted butter before baking.

Pin this ultimate pub classic for a cozy night in!

5. Easy John Wayne Casserole

This legendary casserole is a unique and flavorful layered dish featuring a biscuit crust, a savory Tex-Mex beef filling, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients: 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits, 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes and jalapeños for topping.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press biscuits into the bottom and up the sides of a greased baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef; drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning and green chiles.
3. Spread the meat mixture over the pre-baked biscuit crust.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the cheddar cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef.
5. Top with sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, and the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the pre-baking of the biscuit crust! This step is crucial to prevent it from becoming soggy under the filling.

Add this legendary casserole to your recipe collection. Pin it now!

6. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This recipe delivers all the savory, comforting flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the fussy, time-consuming rolling. It’s a brilliant weeknight shortcut.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 large onion (chopped), 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped), 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 cup water or beef broth, 2 tsp paprika, salt and pepper.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain fat.
2. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Add the uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water/broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
5. Cover the pot or transfer to a large baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.

Pro-Tip: For a slightly sweeter, more traditional flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the tomato sauce mixture.

Get all the flavor with half the work! Pin this smart shortcut recipe.

7. Sloppy Joe Casserole

Turn America’s favorite messy sandwich into an easy, scoopable casserole. A saucy, savory beef filling is topped with fluffy biscuits and melted cheese for a fun meal everyone loves.

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (chopped), 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (or your favorite homemade recipe), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper; drain.
2. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer.
3. Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the meat.
5. Arrange the refrigerated biscuits on top of the cheese layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Lesson Learned: You can also use a cornbread mix for the topping. Prepare the batter as directed and pour it over the meat filling before baking for a different, equally delicious twist.

Your favorite sandwich just got a casserole makeover! Save this fun recipe.

8. Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

This is a simple, creamy, and incredibly satisfying pantry meal. It uses basic ingredients like ground beef, rice, and condensed soup to create a cheesy masterpiece that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1.5 cups uncooked instant rice, 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1.5 cups milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet; drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, uncooked instant rice, both condensed soups, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro-Tip: If you’re using regular long-grain rice instead of instant, you’ll need to cook it first before adding it to the mixture, or significantly increase the liquid and baking time.

Pin this ultimate cheesy comfort casserole for an easy dinner win!

9. 5-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole (The “Dolly Parton”)

Famously simple, this casserole is a budget-friendly wonder using only five basic ingredients. It’s a layered bake of potatoes, beef, and vegetables that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked and drained), 2 large russet potatoes (thinly sliced), 1 large onion (thinly sliced), 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained), salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Create layers in the dish: Start with a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
3. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef.
4. Follow with a layer of sliced onions, then a layer of sliced green bell peppers.
5. Top with the drained diced tomatoes. Season each layer with a little salt and pepper as you go.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.

Lesson Learned: Slicing the potatoes very thinly (using a mandoline if you have one) is the key to ensuring they cook through in time. If they’re too thick, the casserole will take much longer to bake.

Dinner doesn’t get simpler than this! Pin this 5-ingredient wonder.

10. Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole

This dish gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of beef enchiladas in a simple layered format. It’s a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing any of that classic Tex-Mex flavor.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can (19 oz) red enchilada sauce, 12 corn tortillas, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef, drain fat, and stir in taco seasoning.
2. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Arrange 4 tortillas to cover the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer with half of the ground beef, half of the black beans, 1/3 of the remaining enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of cheese.
5. Repeat with another layer of 4 tortillas, the remaining beef and beans, another 1/3 of the sauce, and another cup of cheese.
6. Top with the final 4 tortillas, the rest of the enchilada sauce, and the last cup of cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Pro-Tip: To prevent corn tortillas from getting soggy, lightly fry them in a little hot oil for about 15 seconds per side before layering them in the casserole. It adds an extra step but makes a big difference in texture.

All the enchilada flavor, none of the rolling! Pin this easy recipe.

11. Deconstructed Pizza Casserole

This is a kid-friendly favorite that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with the heartiness of a pasta bake. It’s a guaranteed hit for Friday pizza night.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 8 oz rotini pasta (cooked al dente), 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup mini pepperoni slices, optional: chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef with Italian seasoning; drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, cooked pasta, pizza sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and any optional veggies.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Lesson Learned: For true pizza flavor, use actual pizza sauce, not marinara. It has a distinct blend of herbs and spices that makes this casserole taste just like the real thing.

Friday night dinner is solved! Pin this crowd-pleasing pizza casserole.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to ground beef casserole recipes

Remember these simple tips to ensure your casserole creations are always a success. This is your cheat sheet for perfect, cozy dinners every time.

Embrace Versatility: Ground beef casseroles can be customized with pasta, potatoes, rice, or even biscuit toppings to suit any craving.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Most of these recipes can be assembled ahead of time or frozen, making them a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Don’t Skimp on Sauce: Ensure there’s enough liquid (sauce, soup, broth) to keep the casserole moist, especially when using uncooked pasta or rice.
Cheese is Key: A generous layer of cheese on top not only adds flavor but also creates a delicious golden-brown crust when baked.
Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add extra vegetables, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings to make these recipes your own.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef casseroles are truly the unsung heroes of the weeknight dinner. They are the perfect answer when you need a meal that is comforting, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please the whole family. With so many delicious variations, from the classic Tater Tot Casserole to the zesty Taco Pasta Bake, you have a whole new arsenal of recipes to break out of that dinner rut for good.

So go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a warm, satisfying meal that will bring everyone to the table.

Which of these cozy casseroles are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below