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A hearty Lazy Night Ground Beef Casserole fresh from the oven, bubbling and browned.

Classic Lazy Night Ground Beef Casserole

This hearty casserole combines ground beef, a savory tomato sauce, and your choice of egg noodles or potatoes, topped with melted cheese for an easy and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1-2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4-6 oz OR 20-24 oz egg noodles, cooked al dente OR frozen sliced potatoes or tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar-jack or mozzarella recommended)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using egg noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up, then drain any excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened (5-7 minutes); stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Assembly

  • Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth; stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  • If using egg noodles, spread them evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish, then spoon the beef mixture over them.
  • Alternatively, if using potatoes/tater tots, spread a layer at the bottom of the dish before spooning the beef mixture over them.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.

Baking

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown; loosely cover with foil if the cheese browns too quickly.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. If you love a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese in the last few minutes of baking.