5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hero
When life gets busy and you’re staring into your fridge at 5:00 p.m., wondering what to make for dinner, this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s simple, satisfying, family-friendly, and budget-conscious. Best of all, it comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
With just ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, you can whip up a comforting, cheesy casserole that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but really didn’t.
This dish is the perfect example of how just a handful of ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
5 simple ingredients – No fancy shopping trips required.
Kid-friendly – Cheese, pasta, and beef are a winning combo for picky eaters.
Budget-friendly – Makes a full 9×13-inch pan without breaking the bank.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite pasta or sauce to mix things up.
Great for leftovers – Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
Ingredients (Only 5!)
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this recipe:
1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef (80–90%) is ideal. It provides savory flavor and protein.
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni – Classic comfort food pasta. Shells, penne, or rotini work too.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but mild or a blend works great too.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce – Choose your favorite brand or homemade. Tomato basil and garlic are excellent choices.
1 cup sour cream – Adds tang, creaminess, and binds everything together for that luscious casserole texture.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually 7–8 minutes (check your package instructions).
Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! It will continue to cook slightly while baking, so al dente is perfect.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
Once it’s fully cooked (no pink remains), drain off the excess fat. Then, stir in the 24 oz jar of marinara sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. This lets the flavors combine and thickens the mixture slightly.
Optional Add-in: A pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor without needing more ingredients.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef and sauce mixture, and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir everything until well mixed. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
Next, transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on the edges.
Optional Broil Step: For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Serve warm with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete, balanced meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bake as directed (add 5–10 extra minutes if it’s cold).
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or the whole pan (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave single portions.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Try some of these simple variations:
1. Mexican-Inspired Casserole
Swap marinara for salsa or enchilada sauce.
Add a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the beef.
Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
2. Hidden Veggies
Stir in cooked spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
3. Creamier Version
Use half sour cream, half cream cheese for extra decadence.
4. Use Different Pasta
Try rotini, penne, shells, or even bowtie pasta for different textures.
5. Swap the Meat
Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well as alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
A green side salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost.
Pickles or a tangy slaw for contrast.
FAQ: Your Casserole Questions, Answered
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce and sour cream are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for some kick.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works as a substitute and adds extra protein.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for variety.
Can I make it in a smaller dish?
Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish. Adjust baking time slightly—check at 12–15 minutes.
Why This 5-Ingredient Casserole Works
Balanced flavors: Savory beef, tangy sour cream, sweet marinara, and melty cheese come together in perfect harmony.
Quick prep: Everything can be ready to go into the oven in under 30 minutes.
Comfort food appeal: Familiar flavors that remind us of childhood, potlucks, and cozy nights in.
Flexible and forgiving: Easy to adapt to dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts: A Pantry Staple You’ll Return To
With its short ingredient list, easy steps, and universally loved flavors, this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
It’s ideal for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants to make a satisfying meal without fuss. Make it once, and you’ll quickly see why this humble casserole is a dinnertime winner.
Printable Recipe Card
5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce; simmer 2–3 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, sour cream, and beef mixture. Spread in greased 9×13″ baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!