Dinner

Beef Ricotta Casserole Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

This Beef Ricotta Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, it’s an easy bake that delivers big flavors.

A close-up of a clear glass casserole dish on a white marbled surface covered with a black and white checkered cloth. The casserole inside has several layers visible through the glass: a bottom layer of browned beef with rich reddish tomato sauce above it, topped with a thick, creamy white ricotta cheese layer with small green herb specks. The top layer shows slight browning and orange spots where the sauce peeks through. A shiny silver spoon rests beside the dish. 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. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, and rosemary. Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the meat mixture in the casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, but reduce quantities by half to avoid overpowering the dish.
Add a handful of spinach to the meat mixture for extra greens and nutrients.
For a richer flavor, substitute part skim ricotta with whole milk ricotta cheese.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A glass baking dish filled with a baked layered dish, showing a top layer of golden and white melted cheese with some browned and reddish spots of baked sauce. The dish has visible herbs mixed in the cheese layer and is set on a wooden surface next to a silver spoon and a black-and-white checkered cloth. The texture of the top layer looks creamy and slightly bubbly from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.