Simple Ground Beef Casse­role

This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with all the delicious flavors you crave. Tender ground beef, creamy ingredients, and savory spices come together in a layered dish that bakes to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can add your favorite veggies, spices, or even cheese to make it your own. This casserole is so satisfying, you’ll want to make it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the ground beef, this casserole is guaranteed to keep you full and satisfied.

Easy and Quick: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is a breeze to prepare.

Family-Friendly: Everyone from picky eaters to adults will love this dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser that will be gone in no time.

Versatile: You can add whatever vegetables or seasonings you like. Make it spicier, cheesy, or add extra veggies!

One-Pan Wonder: Everything is made in one dish, which means minimal cleanup after a delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Simple Ground Beef Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef – The main protein of the dish, providing flavor and substance.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds savory sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For an aromatic, savory base flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess to the casserole.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – For a burst of acidity and texture.
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.) – Adds color, flavor, and extra nutrition to the casserole.
• 2 cups cooked rice – The perfect base that gives the casserole its filling texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a cheesy, melty topping that will make everyone swoon.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds a nice herby flavor to complement the beef.
• 1 tsp paprika – For a mild smokiness and rich color.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To bring all the flavors together.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

4. Add the Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (drained), oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the rice and spread it out evenly.

6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 23g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is great on its own, but you can always serve it with some delicious sides to round out the meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad with lettuce, cucumber, and your favorite dressing can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve some warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping in the casserole sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would make a perfect vegetable side to go with this hearty dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you want to make it extra indulgent, mashed potatoes on the side would be a great addition.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture.
• Add Extra Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese—mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses will give the casserole an even richer, meltier top.
• Substitute the Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork if preferred.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the ground beef and use a meat substitute or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Use Leftovers: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover rice or vegetables. You can customize it with whatever you have in your fridge!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use leftover cooked ground beef for this casserole?
A1: Yes! If you have leftover cooked ground beef, just skip the browning step and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A3: Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Just assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q4: Can I add more veggies?
A4: Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of soup?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other canned soups like cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a cheese-based soup for a different flavor.

Q6: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A6: Yes! Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to give it some heat.

Q7: Can I use instant rice for this casserole?
A7: Yes, you can use instant rice, but be sure to follow the package instructions to cook it before adding it to the casserole.

Q8: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A8: Definitely! You can use fresh vegetables, just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole so they soften up during the baking process.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is everything you want in a cozy, hearty meal—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s packed with flavors that everyone will love and is customizable to fit your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a simple dish to bring to a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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