Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting and filling meal that’s both easy to make and sure to satisfy? Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect solution. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef with rich, creamy layers and a crunchy topping. What makes this casserole special is its versatility—it can be tailored to your taste with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Ground Beef Casserole, how to customize it with your favorite ingredients, and tips for getting the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Why Ground Beef Casserole is a Family Favorite

Ground Beef Casserole has earned its place as a family favorite for its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors. The beauty of this dish is how well the savory ground beef complements the creamy sauce and tender vegetables. The casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or potlucks. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

The real magic of Ground Beef Casserole lies in its adaptability. You can customize it by adding ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, or even your favorite pasta. Whether you prefer a cheesy topping or a crispy, breadcrumb-crusted finish, this casserole is easy to make and can be transformed to suit your tastes. The comforting layers of beef and vegetables create a balanced meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

One of the best aspects of this casserole is how you can prepare it in advance. You can assemble the casserole the night before, let it sit in the fridge, and bake it the next day. This feature makes Ground Beef Casserole a great option for meal prep or when you need to feed a hungry family after a busy day.

Recipe Details

Making Ground Beef Casserole is simple and requires minimal ingredients. The dish usually starts with browning the ground beef, which is the base for the casserole. Then, vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers are sautéed and added to the meat. You can make the sauce creamy by adding ingredients like cream of mushroom soup or cheese, depending on the recipe you choose. The mixture is then layered in a baking dish, topped with cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly.

The result is a warm, satisfying casserole with layers of rich, savory beef and creamy sauce. The ground beef gives the dish its hearty, meaty flavor, while the vegetables add texture and a slight sweetness. The cheese adds creaminess and a bit of sharpness, and the topping provides an irresistible crunch that contrasts with the soft filling underneath.

What makes this recipe so appealing is that it can be modified in countless ways. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or use vegetarian alternatives to make a meatless casserole. You can also experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn, making this a flexible dish that can easily cater to various preferences and dietary needs.

Nutritional Information for This Recipe

Each serving of Ground Beef Casserole typically contains between 300 and 400 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size. The ground beef provides a good amount of protein, while the vegetables contribute fiber and essential vitamins. The cheese and sauce add richness and calories, so it’s important to balance the ingredients based on your dietary goals.

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of Ground Beef Casserole, there are several ways to do so. You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lower-fat option. If you want to reduce the calorie count, opt for low-fat cheese or use less cheese overall. To make the casserole lighter, you can replace the creamy soup with a homemade sauce using Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cream.

For a low-carb version, you can substitute the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, or omit the pasta entirely. You can also experiment with dairy-free or gluten-free options, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The recipe’s flexibility allows you to adjust the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor, so everyone can enjoy this dish.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Ground Beef Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or any cream soup of your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

These ingredients are the base of the casserole, with the ground beef providing the hearty, meaty flavor. The onion and bell pepper add sweetness and texture, while the garlic gives the dish an aromatic foundation. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together. Cheese adds a rich, melty layer, and the pasta helps make the casserole filling and satisfying.

For the topping, you can use breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden finish. Alternatively, you can skip the breadcrumbs and top the casserole with more cheese if you prefer a cheesier version. If you want to make it lighter, you can reduce the amount of cheese and use a lighter cream soup or a homemade sauce.

Equipment Needed

To make Ground Beef Casserole, you will need the following equipment:

• Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for this recipe, but you can adjust the size based on how many servings you need.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the meat and vegetables as they cook.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining the casserole ingredients before baking.

These tools are essential for making a smooth, well-cooked casserole. The large skillet allows you to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, while the baking dish ensures the casserole cooks evenly. The mixing bowl is used to combine all the ingredients before baking, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavors.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

Follow these tips to make sure your Ground Beef Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Brown the meat properly: When browning the ground beef, make sure it’s fully cooked and crumbled into small, even pieces. This ensures that the beef is well-distributed throughout the casserole and helps it cook evenly.
2. Use day-old pasta: For the best texture, use leftover pasta or cook the pasta ahead of time. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.
3. Add seasoning in layers: Season the ground beef while it’s cooking, and then taste the casserole before baking to adjust the seasoning. This ensures that every layer is properly seasoned.
4. Cover with foil for a moist casserole: If you prefer a softer casserole, cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking. This traps moisture, keeping the casserole from drying out.
5. Let it rest before serving: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the casserole easier to slice and serve.

Instructions for Ground Beef Casserole

Follow these simple steps to make Ground Beef Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess fat.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and vegetables with the cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, cooked pasta, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, if desired.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: Add an extra cup of cheese to the casserole for a richer, cheesier version. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of both.
2. Vegetarian Ground Beef Casserole: Replace the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese to keep it vegan.
3. Spicy Ground Beef Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
4. Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Layer thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the casserole dish for added texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions for Ground Beef Casserole

You can store Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before storing it in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Casserole

Serve Ground Beef Casserole with a side of fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a more filling meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or a baked potato. A simple dessert, such as fruit salad or brownies, would complete the meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it the next day.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
3. Can I freeze Ground Beef Casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just let it cool, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. What type of cheese works best?
   Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work well in this casserole. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.
5. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
   Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a gathering. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and versatility, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you make it with ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option, you can customize the casserole to suit your preferences. Enjoy it for dinner, lunch, or even as leftovers for a satisfying meal that’s always delicious!

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