Looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal that the whole family will devour? This Ground Beef Casserole is exactly what you need! It’s everything you love about comfort food—easy, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell like home, instantly putting everyone in a good mood. You’ve got savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned rice, all baked together in a cozy casserole dish. What’s not to love?
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Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into why you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This casserole has it all—protein, carbs, and cheese! It’s the perfect all-in-one meal that will leave everyone full and happy.
- Easy to Make: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This casserole comes together quickly, and you won’t need any fancy techniques.
- Affordable: Ground beef is budget-friendly, and with ingredients you likely have on hand, you can make a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in any veggies or spices you like. Want to make it spicier? Toss in some chili flakes or jalapeños!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s simple, tasty, and comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients in Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is full of flavors that come from simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish. Ground beef adds flavor and richness that’s essential for this casserole’s heartiness.
- Rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the savory flavors while adding great texture.
- Cheese: Cheese makes everything better! A combination of cheddar and mozzarella works wonders for that gooey, melty topping.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy element that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder bring everything together.
- Vegetables (optional): If you want to add extra flavor and color, throw in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to dig into this delicious casserole? Follow these easy steps to make your new favorite meal:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly cheese on top.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the Rice: While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and any optional vegetables. Stir everything together, making sure it’s well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with some simple sides:
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a nice crunch and balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pickles or Relish: A side of tangy pickles or relish can add a zesty contrast to the savory casserole.
Additional Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance, then bake it right before serving. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to pop it in the oven!
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, or peas to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Want more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the mix.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and is a lighter alternative.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I add different vegetables?
A3: For sure! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or any veggie you enjoy.
Q4: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A4: Yes! Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time as needed.
Q7: Can I use different types of cheese?
A7: Definitely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would all work beautifully.
Q8: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A8: Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or even a hearty veggie mixture.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or use the microwave in short bursts.
Q10: Can I freeze this casserole?
A10: Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully. Just store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
This Ground Beef Casserole is everything you need in one dish—hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!
Print
Ground Beef Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting ground beef casserole loaded with vegetables, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, milk, frozen corn, and salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add-ins: Include additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for more variety.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it Hearty: Stir in a cup of cooked rice for a more filling dish.
- Crunchy Topping: Add a layer of crushed croutons or breadcrumbs before baking for extra texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg