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A rustic and hearty cheesy ground beef and pasta casserole presented in a dark, heavy cast-iron skillet, showing thick melted cheeses.

The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole (Cast-Iron Skillet Recipe)

This rustic and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole features savory ground beef, wide egg noodles, and a thick, bubbly layer of golden-brown melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese baked in a heavy cast-iron skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 8 oz wide egg noodles dried
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese low-moisture, whole-milk, freshly shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions freshly chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • 1 10-inch or 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for even cooking and achieving a beautiful sear on the beef.
  • 1 Large pot For boiling the wide egg noodles.
  • 1 Cheese Grater For grating cheddar and mozzarella off the block.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz (225g) of wide egg noodles and cook them for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
  2. Place your heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil. Add the diced onion (150g) and cook until softened. Add the 1 lb (450g) of ground beef, break it apart, and sear until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Lower heat to medium, stir in the minced garlic (15g), and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef mixture. Smooth the top and sprinkle the 1 cup (115g) cheddar and 1 cup (115g) mozzarella evenly over the skillet.
  5. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until you achieve a thick, bubbly layer of golden-brown melted cheese. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Add a light sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions across the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
Don't Overcook Pasta: Boiling the noodles just until al dente prevents them from becoming soggy in the oven.