Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Ground beef casseroles are a classic comfort food, versatile and perfect for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for busy days. Whether you’re craving a cheesy, savory dish or something with a bit of spice, this casserole with ground beef is sure to satisfy your hunger. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a family favorite.

This recipe includes all the essentials—ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and a rich sauce—but you can tailor it to your preferences or dietary restrictions. From a cozy winter meal to a summer gathering dish, a ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3. Season: Stir in the bell pepper (if using), chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Combine with Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and the can of cream of mushroom soup to the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
2. Add the Frozen Veggies: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and simmer the mixture on low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing everything to meld together. The sauce should be thickened slightly.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small splash of beef broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Layer the Mixture: Pour the ground beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Ensure that the mixture covers the entire dish to create a solid base.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a melty, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. The butter-coated breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
2. Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Top the casserole with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor.
2. Serve: Slice and serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness.

Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: While 80/20 ground beef provides great flavor and juiciness, you can opt for leaner beef like 90/10 if you prefer a less greasy casserole. For an even leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
2. Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions to sneak in more nutrients.
3. Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, try mixing in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
4. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
5. Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until hot and bubbly.

Variations of Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef casseroles are incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to help you customize the dish based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

1. Mexican-Style Ground Beef Casserole

Give the casserole a south-of-the-border twist by incorporating ingredients like:

• Taco seasoning instead of oregano and chili powder.
• Black beans and corn for additional texture and flavor.
• Jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Top the casserole with tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy, Tex-Mex inspired topping.

2. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Layer sliced potatoes at the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the beef mixture. The potatoes will bake along with the casserole, absorbing the savory flavors and making the dish heartier.

3. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Add cooked rice to the casserole for a more filling dish. You can also use leftover rice to save time. Stir in the rice with the ground beef mixture and top with cheese and breadcrumbs before baking.

4. Vegetarian Ground Beef Casserole

For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based ground beef or lentils instead of ground beef. This variation is ideal for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

5. Mushroom Ground Beef Casserole

If you love mushrooms, add sautéed mushrooms to the ground beef mixture. Their earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the beef and cheese, making it a rich, comforting dish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, such as a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any delicious sauce that might be left behind.
3. Steamed Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

A Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for families, gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a dish that you can customize with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and toppings to suit every taste. Whether you opt for a classic cheese topping or a more unique variation, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy this delicious meal on its own or as part of a larger spread to feed a crowd.

Yield: 6

Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

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Ground beef casseroles are a classic comfort food, versatile and perfect for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for busy days. Whether you’re craving a cheesy, savory dish or something with a bit of spice, this casserole with ground beef is sure to satisfy your hunger. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles or cooked rice (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove excess fat, if necessary, and then add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

1. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. If you’re using cooked noodles or rice, fold them in now. (This step is optional but makes the casserole more filling.)

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole. For added crunch, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.

5. Bake:

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

6. Serve:

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or your favorite vegetable!

Notes

• Vegetables: Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for your favorite ones, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or pepper jack for more flavor variety.
• Spices: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat, or stir in some Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version.