No one goes hungry when you bake up our favorite ground beef casserole recipes. From stuffed shells to shepherd's pie, these dishes are supremely satisfying.
1/40
Church Supper Hot Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was in my mother's church cookbook, and now it's in my church cookbook! Apparently it was too good to miss a generation. I often make this dish to take along to potlucks...and it seems that if I don't, someone else will! It's hearty and so tasty! —Norma Turner, Haslett, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 339 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
2/40
Beefy Eggplant Parmigiana
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe one summer when my husband grew eggplant in the garden. I was thrilled when the parmigiana won high honors at a national beef contest. —Celeste Copper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 498 calories, 33g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
3/40
Poor Man’s Meal
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't let the name fool you—this poor man's meal recipe guarantees 'million-dollar taste' with just a few ingredients! —Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 272 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
4/40
Fold-Over Tortilla Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for potlucks and serving company, too. Something a little different from the usual tacos. It's special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tortillas: 473 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
5/40
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
With onions, peppers, beef and cheese, this pasta casserole has all the fixings of your favorite sandwich. The only thing missing is the bread! —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 702 calories, 37g fat (20g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
6/40
Firecracker Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this southwestern-style firecracker casserole. The flavor reminds us of enchiladas, but the recipe doesn't require the extra time to roll them up. —Teressa Eastman, El Dorado, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 363 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
7/40
Tater Tot Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
8/40
Doritos Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's everything you love about nachos and tacos in a beefy, cheesy and creamy layered casserole! Doritos add that beloved nacho flavor, and you can customize each serving with sides of avocado, salsa, jalapenos and sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 580 calories, 39g fat (16g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
9/40
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Shepherd’s pie is great with leftover homemade mashed potatoes, but it’s tasty with ready-made mashed potatoes too. —Jennifer Early, East Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 302 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
10/40
Sloppy Joe Under a Bun
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually keep a can of sloppy joe sauce in the pantry, because our kids love sloppy joes. But sometimes I don't have buns on hand. With this fun casserole, we can still enjoy the flavors that they love in a flash. The bun-like top crust is made with biscuit mix, sprinkled with sesame seeds and baked until golden. —Trish Bloom, Ray, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 423 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 961mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
11/40
Meat-and-Potato Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 374 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
12/40
Unstuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
13/40
Taco Noodle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty Taco Noodle Casserole. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 402 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
14/40
Chili Mac Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
15/40
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Roll your burgers, cheese and taters all into one. It's the perfect dish to use to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done when this is the reward! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 479 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
16/40
Burrito Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 509 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1403mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
17/40
Baked Ziti
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
18/40
Hamburger and Rice Hot Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be simpler than this supper? Not much! I round out this meal with steamed mixed vegetables and whatever fresh fruit is handy. —Jan Franks, Oelwein, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 223 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
19/40
Ole Polenta Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole has been a favorite of ours for years. I like to place a dollop of sour cream on each serving. —Angela Biggin, Lyons, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 874mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
20/40
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza, and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
21/40
Cornbread Taco Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
22/40
Southwestern Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 321 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
23/40
Grandma’s Rice Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 719 calories, 37g fat (18g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1397mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein.
24/40
Taco Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is sure to enjoy this mildly spicy one-dish meal with Southwestern flair. It's quick and easy to make and fun to serve. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 514 calories, 38g fat (13g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
25/40
Chili Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
26/40
Beef ‘n’ Biscuit Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1180mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
27/40
Frito Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
28/40
Zucchini Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
29/40
Cowboy Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and creamy Tater Tot bake is true comfort food, especially on a cold night. —Donna Donhauser, Remsen, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 714 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1675mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
30/40
Italian Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I come from a huge family, and it seems there is always a potluck occasion. No matter what time of year, this hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian casserole is always a hit. It's easy to make and serve. —Rita Goshaw, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 273 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
31/40
Beef Noodle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck. —Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
32/40
Meatballs Sausage Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
One day I was having trouble deciding what to make for dinner, so I combined whatever was in the refrigerator and freezer. To my surprise, everyone loved it! —Elizabeth Martz, Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
33/40
Pizza Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
34/40
Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
35/40
Sweet-and-Sour Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother shared this recipe, which I've been making for my family for years. The homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the key to this dish's success. —Dorothy Reimer, Dewberry, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 424 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
36/40
Mexican Pasta Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole makes a delicious change of pace from ordinary pasta casseroles. The corkscrew noodles? They make it fun! —Joy Smith, Bigfork, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 434 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1034mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
37/40
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 396 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
38/40
Three-Cheese Jumbo Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking, but I'm not into fancy gourmet foods. I think it's more challenging to make delicious, down-home foods like this beefy casserole with ingredients easily found in the refrigerator and on my pantry shelves. —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 442 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
39/40
Hamburger Macaroni Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom often made this casserole when I was growing up, and it was one of my favorite meals. It tastes terrific with a salad and rolls. —Judy Hluchy, Mt. Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 357 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
40/40
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
Ground Beef Casserole Recipes FAQ
Do you have to cook ground beef before adding it to a casserole?
While you don’t have to brown ground beef before adding it to a casserole, you absolutely should. First, cooking and browning ground beef in a skillet breaks the meat into manageable pieces, so you’re not biting into big hunks. Second, browning adds flavor and texture to the meat, which ends up in your casserole. Finally, cooking ground beef releases grease, which you can spoon off, so it doesn’t all end up in the casserole dish.
Can you make ground beef casseroles ahead of time?
Ground beef casseroles are excellent make-ahead meals. Prep your casserole a day or two before you want to serve it, cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, let the casserole stand at room temperature while the oven heats, then bake as directed. For the best texture, wait to add any crunchy or fresh veggie toppings until baking. For even longer storage, learn how to freeze casseroles so that you can have them on hand for up to three months.
Are ground beef casseroles healthy?
Ground beef casseroles are typically considered comfort food, and while you can have healthy comfort food dinner options, many of these recipes are rich and decadent. Most of the recipes in this collection are made with canned soup, cream and lots of cheese, adding a good amount of fat, carbs and sodium. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make your casserole a little healthier. Using lean ground beef, whole-grain pasta and fresh veggies are small swaps that add up.
