5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner That’s Cheesy, Hearty, & Delicious

When you’re looking for a simple, comforting dinner that’s quick to prepare, this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is just the thing. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy soups, tender potatoes, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a hearty, cheesy casserole that the whole family will love. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and convenience!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Ground beef, cubed potatoes, and two kinds of creamy soup make for a dish that’s rich, filling, and so easy to throw together. The frozen potatoes keep prep time minimal, and the layers of cheddar cheese provide that comforting, melty goodness everyone loves in a casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole

This ground beef casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just five main ingredients, you can have dinner in the oven in no time. The combination of the savory ground beef, creamy soups, and cheesy topping creates layers of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable—swap the cream of mushroom soup or cheddar soup with your favorites, or add in a few extra veggies for variety. It’s a versatile recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fiber: 2g

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but can also be paired with a side salad or some crusty bread for an even more complete meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also add some garlic bread on the side to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness. For a heartier option, pair it with baked beans or coleslaw. If you're feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds an extra creamy finish!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well! To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

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Fun Fact: The Magic of Casseroles

Casseroles have been a beloved American comfort food for generations. Their origin dates back to the early 20th century when they became a popular way to combine meat, vegetables, and starches into one convenient, hearty dish. This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a modern take on this timeless tradition, combining pantry staples to create a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Cooking Tips

• Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add more shredded cheddar on top before baking. You can even mix in a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for more flavor.
• Even Cooking: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to help cook the potatoes evenly without burning the cheese.
• Pre-Cook the Potatoes: If you want to speed up cooking time, you can thaw or partially cook the frozen potatoes before mixing them into the casserole.

Optional Variations

• Add Veggies: To make this casserole even heartier, add in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
• Spicy Twist: For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the beef mixture.
• Use Different Soups: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

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5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ to 2 pounds ground beef
• 10.5 oz can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 10.5 oz can of condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
• 3 cups cubed frozen potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the casserole ingredients: To the bowl with the cooked ground beef, add the can of cream of mushroom soup, the can of cream of cheddar cheese soup, the frozen cubed potatoes, and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cover and bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake more: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are fully cooked.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish with your favorite sides!

This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect recipe for when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!