Description
Warm up with a Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole that’s hearty, simple to make, and packed with wholesome, satisfying flavor. This comforting casserole layers savory ground beef with mixed vegetables, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and a fluffy potato topping. Perfect for family dinners or any occasion when you want a delicious meal that combines convenience with homemade charm.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, preferably 80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh or dried herbs (thyme or parsley, optional)
Topping
- 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled (or pre-made mashed potatoes, about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess fat. Stir in mixed vegetables and tomato sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare the Topping: While the beef mixture simmers, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, slice potatoes thinly if you prefer a layered topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread the ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Add the mashed potato topping or arrange sliced potatoes on top. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to set nicely.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness without excess grease.
- Drain the cooked beef mixture well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Gently fold ingredients when combining to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
- Shredded cheese melts more evenly than slices, creating a better topping.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg