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Cheap Ground Beef Meals for Large Families on Tight Grocery Budgets

Cheap Ground Beef and Pasta Bake

This Cheap Ground Beef and Pasta Bake is a hearty, budget-friendly family dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese. Designed to feed a large family without stretching the grocery budget, this comforting casserole is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans 14.5 ounces each diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans 15 ounces each tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish
  • Aluminum foil (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and bell peppers.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
  2. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking.
  3. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
  4. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
  1. Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  2. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and beef sauce.
  2. Stir until evenly coated.
  3. Mix in 1½ cups of the shredded cheese.
Step 6: Assemble
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread evenly.
  4. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
  2. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes if desired.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
  1. Remove from the oven.
  2. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley.
  4. Serve warm.

Notes

Use regular ground beef if it's more affordable; simply drain the excess fat after cooking.
Add canned beans to stretch the recipe further and increase protein.
This casserole freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Feel free to substitute vegetables based on seasonal sales and grocery discounts.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
To make the meal even more filling, serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.