Ground Beef Casserole is the cozy hug your dinner table has been craving! Picture tender ground beef mingling with vibrant veggies, all nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce that wraps everything in warmth. Topped with golden, crispy tater tots or fluffy mashed potatoes, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family gathering, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of home-cooked goodness that brings smiles all around!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ground Beef Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For cooking the beef and vegetables.
- 1 9×13 inch casserole dish For baking the casserole.
- 1 Aluminum Foil To cover the casserole while baking.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
Vegetables
- 1 chopped Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Brings color and a slight crunch to the mix.
Sauces and Liquids
- 1 can Tomato Sauce Serves as a base, adding moisture and tanginess.
- 1 cup Beef Broth Keeps the casserole juicy and flavorful.
Filler
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta Acts as a hearty filler, absorbing flavors and adding texture.
- 1 to 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully on top, creating a deliciously gooey finish.
Seasonings
- to taste Salt and Pepper A blend of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to elevate the taste.
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables Adds nutrition and convenience; no chopping required!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Add Vegetables
- Stir in 1 chopped onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
Mix in the Sauce
- Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Casserole Dish
- While the beef mixture simmers, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Layer the Ingredients
- Spread half of the beef mixture in the bottom of the dish. Then, layer with 2 cups of cooked pasta. Top with the remaining beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it Cool
- Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Dish up generous portions, and enjoy your comforting Ground Beef Casserole with family and friends.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole
- It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Versatile ingredients mean you can customize it to your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep; enjoy leftovers all week long!
- Kid-approved and sure to please the whole family!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Casserole |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Gluten-free option available |
| Serves: | 6 servings |
| Best Served: | Hot with a side salad |
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole
- Ground Beef – the star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
- Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Garlic – enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- Bell Peppers – brings color and a slight crunch to the mix.
- Tomato Sauce – serves as a base, adding moisture and tanginess.
- Beef Broth – keeps the casserole juicy and flavorful; use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- Rice – acts as a hearty filler, absorbing flavors and adding texture.
- Cheddar Cheese – melts beautifully on top, creating a deliciously gooey finish.
- Seasonings – a blend of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to elevate the taste.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables – adds nutrition and convenience; no chopping required!
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Ground Beef Casserole
Get ready to whip up a delicious Ground Beef Casserole that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Stir in 1 chopped onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to your casserole.
Step 4: Mix in the Sauce
Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will create a rich, savory base.
Step 5: Prepare the Casserole Dish
While the beef mixture simmers, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help your casserole come out easily.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the beef mixture in the bottom of the dish. Then, layer with 2 cups of cooked pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne). Top with the remaining beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) over the top. Cheese makes everything better, right?
Step 8: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Let it Cool
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it set and make serving easier.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up generous portions, and enjoy your comforting Ground Beef Casserole with family and friends. Don’t forget to savor every bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Ground Beef Casserole
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess grease.
- Mix in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Top with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a delicious, melty finish.
- Consider using low-sodium broth instead of water for a richer taste.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to help it set and enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
- Top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Offer sliced avocado or guacamole on the side for a creamy twist.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese just before serving for extra flavor.
- Accompany with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Use tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy topping option.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Pair with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage of your Ground Beef Casserole ensures delicious leftovers for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Portion into individual servings for easy thawing.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
FAQs
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can easily make a homemade version using a mix of sour cream and chicken broth. This will give you a creamy texture without the canned soup. Just blend them together and add your favorite seasonings for extra flavor!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives to ground beef. They will provide a lighter option while still being delicious. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
Consider adding more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use whole grain pasta or brown rice instead of regular pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
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