Introduction

This Beef Ricotta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, delivering hearty satisfaction in every bite.

This image shows a clear oval dish filled with baked food on a wooden surface. The dish has multiple layers: the bottom layer is a thick red sauce with visible mushrooms and pieces of food mixed in, while the top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese that looks creamy and slightly browned in some areas. To the left of the dish is a blue and white checked cloth napkin and a shiny metal spoon placed on the wooden surface. The setting is simple and cozy with a focus on the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1/4 red onion, small dice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the mushrooms, diced red onion, and minced garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh oregano, and rosemary until well combined.
Step 6: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for some subtle heat.
Try swapping mushrooms for chopped zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture.
Use fresh herbs if possible—they brighten the flavors and add a fresh aroma.
For a lower-fat option, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a clear glass oval baking dish placed on a wooden surface with a black and white checkered cloth partially underneath it. The dish has a thick top layer of melted cheese that is golden brown in some parts and white with green herb flecks in other areas. Beneath the cheese, patches of red tomato sauce peek through toward the edges. Next to the dish is a shiny silver spoon. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Absolutely. Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beef Ricotta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

A hearty and comforting Beef Ricotta Casserole featuring lean ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and a blend of creamy cheeses topped with fresh herbs, baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines savory tomato sauce with aromatic oregano and rosemary, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1/4 red onion, small dice
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces & Vinegars

1 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Cheeses

15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Herbs & Spices

2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the extra lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Add sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, reduce heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and tomato mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Mix Cheese and Herbs: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, chopped oregano, and rosemary. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
Layer Cheese Mixture: Spoon the cheese and herb mixture evenly on top of the meat and tomato layer in the casserole dish.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is hot, melted, and bubbly.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
To make this dish lower in calories, use reduced-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
This casserole pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: beef ricotta casserole, baked beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipes