Easy Cheesy Italian Ground Beef Bake (5-Ingredient Family Dinner)
A Quick and Flavorful Ground Beef Casserole for Busy Weeknights
If you’re looking for an easy ground beef casserole that delivers big Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort, this Cheesy Italian Ground Beef Bake is the perfect solution. Made with just five simple ingredients, this hearty oven-baked dinner combines seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, Italian herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this budget-friendly recipe comes together quickly and bakes into a rich, cheesy casserole packed with flavor.
Benefits of This Easy Ground Beef Bake
- High in protein for a satisfying meal
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Made with only 5 simple ingredients
- Budget-conscious and easy to prepare
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Naturally gluten-free when served alone
- Perfect with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8×10-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Step 2: Add the Ground Beef
Spread the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, breaking it into small pieces.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables
Scatter the sliced onion evenly over the beef. Pour the diced tomatoes and their juices over the top.
Step 4: Season
Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly across the mixture. Add salt and black pepper if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and carefully stir the mixture, breaking up any larger chunks of beef. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and bake for 5–8 more minutes until melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Recipe Tips
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Use Italian cheese blend or provolone for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Store for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
