What is ground beef casserole? Is it fancy, is it going to win any awards for presentation? Think of it as the lasagna’s cozy, less fussy cousin – all the satisfying flavor, none of the fuss. How do I learn complicated Growing up, my mom made this on those nights when she just *needed* something easy and filling on her face. I’m craving something warm and satisfying without spending a lot of time. This is my go-to snack on saturdays. Hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour, this ground-breaking recipe is for you. What is your answer to beef casserole? I promise you, it’s a winner.
What is ground beef casserole?
What is ground beef casserole? Imagine a warm blanket of savory goodness. Is it a combination of ground beef and brown rice? What’s your favorite tomato sauce? ), and then layered with other delicious things, usually vegetables, and topped with something delicious. Think of it as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, or as baked ziti. What’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel good? Is it a family favorite, weeknight winner, and potluck star all rolled into one? Is this one of those recipes where you can really make it your own, swapping out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry? What do you have on hand or what your family loves?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Where do I start? Why is ground beef casserole so popular in my kitchen?
• Flavor explosion: WhatThe creamy sauce combined with the savory ground beef and tender vegetables is just… *chef’s kiss*. Is it a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more? Even the aroma while baking is enough to make your mouth water.
• Crazy easy to make. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires a culinary degree. I’m talking simple, straightforward steps that even a beginner cook can master. Most of the work is just browning the beef and chopping some veggies – the oven does the rest!
• Budget friendlyGround beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples or can be found in your local grocery store. Is easy to find How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? What are some great leftovers that can be eaten the next day?
• Super versatile: EasilyWhy don’t I like mushrooms? Swap them for bell peppers? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! What are some of the best recipes to make? What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What are some good ways to use leftover roasted vegetables?
I know there are a million casserole recipes out there, but this ground beef casserole is special. What is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease? Once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Is it similar to a chicken noodle casserole?
How do you make ground beef casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the gist of it? Is it good to brown ground beef with onions and garlic? What are onions and garlic? ) Then, you’ll whip up a creamy sauce, toss in some veggies, and layer it all in an oven dish. What are some ways to top a baked potato with crunchy toppings and bake it until golden brown? Is it easier than you think? What’s the best part? You can customize it to your liking. What are some of the best recipes for relaxation in the kitchen?
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Base:
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
What is the Creamy Sauce?
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but 2% works just fine! I’ve used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch and it was still delicious!
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream (this adds a nice tang!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
For the Veggies & Toppings:
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed.
• 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn, undrained
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. Trust me, it works. What do you want to stick to the bottom of your head? How do I save a lot of scrubbing time? I always line my kitchen with parchment for easier clean up!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic and cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is cooked through. Is the onion softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes? How do I drain off grease from a casserole?
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly seasoned. I always do a taste test at this point to make sure it’s just right. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your favorite salsa for extra kick! How do you customize a flavor to your liking?
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and golden. This is called a roux, and it’s the base for our creamy sauce. Is it important to cook flour for a couple of minutes to get rid of that raw taste?
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. What are lumpy sauces? Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. That nutmeg is a MUST – it adds this subtle warmth and depth of flavor that you won’t believe. It just elevates the whole dish!
Step 7: Combine Everything
In the prepared baking dish, combine the browned ground beef mixture, the creamy sauce, the thawed peas and carrots, and the creamed corn. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens! Make sure everything is evenly distributed so that every bite is perfect.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Toss to coat. This buttery, salty topping is what takes this casserole over the top! If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs or even crushed potato chips in a pinch.
Step 9: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, because ovens can vary! You want that topping to be nice and golden, but you don’t want it to burn.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give it a chance to set up a bit. Serve it warm and enjoy! This is one of those dishes that’s even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!
What to Serve It With
This ground beef casserole is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are a few ideas:
For a Simple Side: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. It adds a bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a Hearty Meal: Serve it with some mashed potatoes or garlic bread. This will definitely satisfy even the biggest appetites!
For a Light Option: Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal.
For a Cozy Night In: Pair it with a glass of red wine and a warm fire. Perfect for a chilly evening!
My family always loves this casserole with a side of garlic bread. It’s the perfect combination of carbs and comfort! It’s one of those meals that everyone is happy to eat, no matter how tired or busy we are. Also, it is incredible on a cold rainy day!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Casserole
Okay, friend, here are a few of my top tips for making the best ground beef casserole ever:
Don’t skip the browning: Browning the ground beef is essential for developing flavor. Make sure you break it up well and cook it until it’s nicely browned all over.
Don’t be afraid to season: Season your ground beef and sauce generously. Salt, pepper, and herbs are your friends! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. A little bit of paprika or garlic powder can add a lot of depth.
Use good quality cheese: The cheese is a key component of the creamy sauce. Use a good quality cheddar cheese, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. I sometimes use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for a really melty and flavorful sauce.
Don’t overcook it: Overcooking the casserole can make it dry and tough. Bake it just until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Let it rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will give it a chance to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.
Customize it: Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own signature ground beef casserole. This is one of those recipes where you can really let your creativity shine!
I’ve learned over the years that a little bit of nutmeg in the sauce is a game-changer. It adds this subtle warmth and depth of flavor that you won’t believe. Trust me; it’s worth it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your ground beef casserole:
Room Temperature: You can leave it out for up to two hours, but after that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or beef broth before reheating. If you’ve frozen it, reheating may take a little longer. Be sure it is heated all the way through before serving.
I always make a big batch of this casserole so that I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s the perfect quick and easy meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to ground beef casserole recipe! It’s a simple, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own. If you love easy and satisfying casserole recipes, you might also enjoy my Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Happy cooking, friend! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and feel free to share any variations you come up with!
Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 1 cup Diced Carrots
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 2 cups Cooked Elbow Macaroni
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
