Hearty Ground Beef Casserole: Comforting & Customizable

Ground Beef CasserolePhoto byRecipe Formula

Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that combines ground beef with a variety of vegetables, pasta, or potatoes, all baked together in a hearty and flavorful casserole.

Get the Recipe Details: Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups frozen or fresh vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, green beans)
• 2 cups cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes (cubed or sliced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, frozen or fresh vegetables, and cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes. Mix until well combined.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top as well.
8. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole is a classic, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and highly customizable. With its hearty mix of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, this dish offers a satisfying and wholesome dinner option that can be tailored to suit your family’s preferences. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a filling and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this versatile casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!