Quick & Savory Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort arrives with this hearty beef casserole that promises warmth in every savory bite.

Layers of tender meat and rich vegetables create a symphony of flavors.

Soft, melting textures complement the robust seasonings perfectly.

Winter nights call for such nourishing meals that wrap you in culinary comfort.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this classic dish that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Each forkful connects you to generations of traditional cooking wisdom.

Dive into this recipe and let deliciousness guide your kitchen adventure.

Why Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe Is A Classic

• Simplify Your Dinner: Dig into a one-dish wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal without complicated techniques.
• Family Feast Champion: Packed with kid-friendly flavors and hearty protein, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal prep and short cooking duration mean you can serve a delicious, home-cooked dinner even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, meats, or pasta shapes, making it perfect for customizing to your family's taste preferences.

Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe Ingredient List

• Beef: Lean ground beef provides rich protein and hearty flavor for the casserole.
• Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini will hold the sauce and create a satisfying texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and traditional Italian taste.

• Cheese: Melty cheese creates a golden, delicious topping for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that build a robust and flavorful base for the meat sauce.
• Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking to the pan.

• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Steps To Make Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Select your favorite pasta and cook it in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef and Aromatics

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. When the beef starts to brown and the onions become translucent, toss in minced garlic and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Sprinkle in your favorite herbs and spices like dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Prepare for Baking

Transfer the cooked pasta into a baking dish. Pour the rich beef and marinara sauce over the pasta, mixing gently to ensure every noodle gets coated with the delicious sauce. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the pasta. Choose from mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for maximum flavor. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Finish

For those who love a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil. Watch carefully and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown with slightly crispy edges.

Simple Tips For Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Boil pasta just until al dente to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness when baking.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Sprinkle cheese evenly across the top for consistent melting and golden-brown coverage.
• Control Meat Moisture: Pat beef dry before browning to ensure better caramelization and prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the marinara sauce for richer, more complex taste.
• Quick Meal Prep: Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient weeknight dinners.

Tasty Twists On Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same cooking method and spices for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the rich marinara and cheese flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original taste profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Add feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano to transform the casserole into a Greek-style baked dish with Mediterranean flair.

Pairing Suggestions For Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich beef and marinara sauce, enhancing the hearty flavors and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Create Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth, adding a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy accompaniment, helping to soak up extra sauce and adding a delicious garlicky dimension to the meal.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top to introduce a light, fresh element that brightens the casserole's deep, savory profile and adds a pop of color.

Store Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Add splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until steaming hot throughout.

Hairy Bikers Beef Casserole Recipe FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this casserole?

Ground beef with 80/20 fat content provides the most flavor and keeps the dish moist and juicy.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold sauce well and create similar texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduce cheese quantity to lower calories and fat content.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef casserole delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending rich slow-cooked meat with classic vegetable companions. Warm layers of tender beef and savory seasonings promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta to a tender yet firm texture, ensuring it’s slightly undercooked, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
2. In a large skillet, sear ground beef with chopped onions using medium-high heat, creating a rich caramelized exterior; incorporate minced garlic during the final moments of browning.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, seasoning generously with herbs and spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Transfer the combined beef and sauce mixture into a prepared baking dish, then gently fold in the partially cooked pasta, ensuring even distribution.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete surface coverage.
6. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 400°F, baking for precisely 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.
7. For an optional crispy finish, activate the broiler and monitor closely for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust without burning.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta just shy of fully done to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a tender texture.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful casserole.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost that elevates the classic marinara sauce.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like mozzarella, provolone, or a blend for different melting and taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 516 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg