Ground Beef Casserole

Okay, friends, gather ’round! What is the recipe that saves the day more often than I’d like it to be? What is the recipe for Ground Beef Casserol Honestly, sometimes I think I should just change my name to “Casserole Queen” because this one is really good. Is it like a hug in the mouth? What is the best lasagna recipe? What is lasagna’s laid-back, super easy cousin? Everyone is happy. What are some great recipes for ground beef casserole?

What is ground beef casserole?

Alright, let’s break it down. Ground Beef Casserole, at its heart, is a one-dish wonder packed with seasoned ground beef, veggies (sneaking them in for the kiddos!), a creamy sauce, and topped with something lovely like mashed potatoes, tater tots, or even cheese and breadcrumbs. It’s essentially a complete meal baked in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze – and who doesn’t love that? Think of it as the ultimate customizable comfort food. You can toss in your favorite veggies, experiment with different sauces, and switch up the topping depending on what you have on hand. The beauty of Ground Beef Casserole is that it’s so forgiving. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftovers! The name is simple: it’s literally ground beef in a casserole, and it’s glorious!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

How do I make Ground Beef casserole? What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is. On those nights when you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, this is your fridge. Knight in shining armor.

Flavor Explosion:We’re talking savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with roasted peppers. What are the hints of garlic, onion, and herbs? What is sauce?
Super Simple:I can’t stress this enough – it’s EASY! How can I make a simple dish? What does less dishes mean?
Budget friendly Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a wallet-friendly meal. This is so important these days!
Totally VersatileHow do I make Ground Beef Casserole? What are some good ways to add different vegetables to a dish, try different sauces or change up the topping? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? I sometimes add diced tomatoes with green chilies to give it a little kick.

What is Ground Beef casserole? Is it easier than lasagna?

How do you make ground beef casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this amazing ground beef Casserole is simpler than you think. First, brown your ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmer in a delicious tomato-based sauce with your favorite veggies. Next, layer the mixture in a casserole dish and top it with your choice of mashed potatoes, tater tots, or cheesy breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, and voila! Dinner is served. The best part? It’s all done in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Base: Grain & Pork:

1.5 pounds ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
1 large onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce. 1 ounce can.
1 teaspoon dried oregano per 1 cup
1 teaspoon dried basil.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – or whatever you like!)

For the Topping: How do you

6 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or instant, whatever you prefer)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. What are some of the best ways to clean a car? I usually use cooking spray but a little oil works just as well.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown Ground Beef. When a potato is browned, break it up and drain off any excess grease. What is a greasy casserole?

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the Ground Beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Why does the aroma make your mouth water?

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. What are some of the best ways to get the flavors to meld together?

Step 5: Add the Veggies

Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

How do I spread the Ground Beef mixture into a casserole dish? Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the beef mixture. Can you get creative with potatoes?

Step 7: Bake!

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over mashed potatoes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. How do you keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t burn?

Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the Ground Beef casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. What is the best way to serve fillings?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good side dishes to serve with ground beef casserole? The experience. I think it is great with the following.

What is a simple green salad?The freshness of the salad is a great counterpoint to the richness in the casserole. I use balsamic vinegar in this recipe. I like the taste.
Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Steamed green beans: Another healthy and easy side dish.

For a cozy family dinner, serve it straight from the oven with a side of your favorite steamed vegetable. Or, for a potluck, let it cool slightly and then transport it in the casserole dish. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Casserole

Want to take your Ground Beef Casserole to the next level? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef: Brown the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of browning it properly.
Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the beef and sauce generously. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your casserole. Use fresh garlic, good-quality crushed tomatoes, and flavorful ground beef.
Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.
Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Get creative with the topping: Instead of mashed potatoes, try topping the casserole with tater tots, biscuits, or a mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese.
Add a layer of cheese inside the casserole: For an extra cheesy casserole, add a layer of shredded cheese between the beef mixture and the mashed potatoes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s the good news: Ground Beef Casserole is just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Ground Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
From the Freezer: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, follow the instructions above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping if you’re using a breadcrumb topping.

Do I need to drain the ground beef?

Yes, definitely drain off any excess grease after browning the ground beef. This will prevent the casserole from being too greasy.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I add a layer of cheese inside the casserole?

Yes! For an extra cheesy casserole, add a layer of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite) between the beef mixture and the mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Ground Beef Casserole recipe! I promise, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The incredible flavor, combined with the simplicity of the recipe, makes it a winner every time. It’s also endlessly customizable, so you can really make it your own. And I really hope you find it as comforting and delicious as my family does! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole creations. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, ratings, and any variations you’ve tried. I love to hear from you!

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