Looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love? This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is your answer! It’s a simple, layered dish packed with flavour and incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe guarantees a hearty and delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Ground Beef Casserole?
Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish made with browned ground beef, often combined with vegetables, pasta or potatoes, and a flavourful sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a classic family meal, known for its ease of preparation and adaptability to different tastes and ingredients.
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and spices, offering endless possibilities for a personalized dinner experience. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a wholesome, satisfying meal. Serve it as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a simple salad or side dish for a more complete dinner. Ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal? Give this Ground Beef Casserole recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty base of the casserole. Use lean ground beef (80/20 or leaner) to reduce excess grease.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a savory flavor base to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a pungent and aromatic taste.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and acidity.
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Contributes a creamy texture and savory flavor to the sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) can mixed vegetables, drained: Adds color, nutrients, and texture. Alternatively, use 1 ½ cups of your favourite fresh or frozen vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans).
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs for enhanced flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors. Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne): Provides a hearty base and texture to the casserole. Cook according to package directions.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy topping. Other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Colby blend work well too.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole:
This Ground Beef Casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! It comes together in about 45 minutes, and delivers a warm, comforting meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese creates a truly satisfying experience. Preparing it is simple: brown the beef with onions and garlic, mix in the sauce, vegetables, and pasta, then top with cheese and bake. It’s easy, delicious and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Draining the grease is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step infuses the beef with a savory and aromatic flavor.
Stir in sauce and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined for even distribution of flavor.
Combine with vegetables and pasta: Add the drained mixed vegetables and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Gently mixing prevents the pasta from breaking and ensures a cohesive casserole.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Check the internal temperature of the casserole to ensure it is thoroughly heated.
Let it rest: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole:
This Ground Beef Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a weeknight winner! The highlight is undeniably the comforting combination of flavors and textures, from the savoury ground beef to the creamy sauce and cheesy topping. Making it at home is a huge money-saver compared to takeout, using affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, you can customize it with your family’s favorite veggies and cheeses.
The cheesy topping elevates it, adding a rich and satisfying layer. Think of it as a simpler, quicker version of lasagna, offering similar comfort without the fuss. Ready to bring smiles to your dinner table? Try this Ground Beef Casserole tonight!
What to Serve Ground Beef Casserole With:
Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a few complementary dishes. Here are some delicious options:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a healthy and colorful side.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Buttered corn on the cob is a classic and comforting side that pairs well with this casserole.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Casserole:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or leaner) to minimize grease. If using a higher fat content, make sure to drain the excess grease thoroughly after browning the beef.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This releases their flavors and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Corn, peas, carrots, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy will work well.
- Use Different Types of Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Colby blend. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the casserole.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole. Cook it according to package direction and rinse after to halt cooking.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
- Add Some Spice: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Properly Grease Baking Dish: Thoroughly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Let it Rest: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the casserole to set and the flavors to meld together.
5 Facts about Ground Beef Casserole:
- Versatile: Ground Beef Casserole can be easily adapted to use different ingredients and flavor profiles.
- Budget-Friendly: It is a cost-effective meal that uses simple and affordable ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: It is a popular dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Time-Saving: It is a quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food: It is a warm and comforting dish that provides a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the Ground Beef Casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, cut the casserole into individual portions and freeze them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen Ground Beef Casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated or frozen casserole (thawed overnight in the refrigerator) in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Microwave: For individual portions, place a serving of the Ground Beef Casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place a portion of the casserole in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts:
This Ground Beef Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Ground Beef Casserole FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.
Q: Can I add different vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Corn, peas, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms all work well.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Colby blend.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of the baking time to prevent the casserole from drying out.