Description
Warm up with this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole, a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce mixed with vegetables and pasta or rice. Perfect for family dinners and versatile enough to customize with different ingredients or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Sauce and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Base
- 3 cups cooked pasta or cooked rice
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step builds the foundation of rich, meaty flavor essential to the casserole.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, which adds a sweet-savory base that complements the beef beautifully.
- Mix in Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, followed by the condensed cream of mushroom soup. The soup adds creamy moisture, helping blend the ingredients into a cohesive filling.
- Combine with Pasta or Rice: Transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl and mix in cooked pasta or rice. This step ensures every bite has a comforting carb element that soaks up the flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercook it as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb sauce perfectly.
- Add fresh parsley or thyme just before serving to boost vibrant flavor.
- Mix different cheeses for extra savory depth or sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to let the layers set and intensify flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg