5-Ingredient Creamy Ground Beef Casserole

This Creamy Ground Beef Casserole is a classic “dump-and-bake” style comfort meal that combines seasoned beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese into a bubbly, comforting bake with minimal cleanup.

The 5 Ingredients

1. Lean Ground Beef (1.5 lbs) – Browns up quickly as the hearty protein foundation.
2. Short Pasta (8 oz / 2 cups dry) – Penne, rotini, or medium egg noodles work best to catch the sauce.
3. Marinara or Tomato Sauce (1 jar / 24 oz) – Provides a rich, pre-seasoned tomato base.
4. Cream Cheese or Sour Cream (1 block / 8 oz, softened) – Melts into the warm pasta and meat for a rich, velvety texture.
5. Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – Melts across the top into a bubbly, golden crust.

(Pantry staple note: Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Boil: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions (al dente); drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then season with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the Sauce: Stir the entire jar of marinara sauce and the softened cream cheese (or sour cream) directly into the hot beef in the skillet until smooth and thoroughly combined.
4. Combine & Dump: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and toss until well coated. Pour everything into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
5. Top & Bake: Cover the top evenly with the 2 cups of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before scooping into warm bowls!

Pro Tips & Shortcuts

• No-Boil Shortcut: Swap the cooked pasta for a bag of frozen tote-style hash browns or frozen potato crowns—no boiling required!
• Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn, peas, or chopped spinach into the meat sauce before baking.