Looking for a hearty meal that combines convenience with comfort? This baked ground beef casserole is the answer. It’s packed with flavor, easy to throw together, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The delicious combination of seasoned beef, creamy layers, and melted cheese makes it a family favorite.
This recipe is a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a filling dish that everyone will love. With just one pan, you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep – just make it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Understanding the Heart of the Dish
This baked ground beef casserole is a wonderful blend of ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal. It features layers of beef, pasta, and an assortment of vegetables, making it both hearty and nutritious.
Each component plays a vital role; the seasoned ground beef provides protein, while the pasta and vegetables add texture and flavor. The creamy sauce and melted cheese topping bring everything together, enhancing each bite with a delicious richness.
Ingredients That Shine
The primary ingredient is ground beef, which is cooked to perfection and seasoned with onions and garlic to build a strong flavor base.
Adding frozen mixed vegetables ensures that the dish is vibrant and colorful while saving time on preparation. The use of cream of mushroom soup contributes to the casserole’s creamy consistency, while the shredded cheddar cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly finish that is hard to resist.
Effortless Preparation Steps
Preparing this casserole is a straightforward process that doesn’t require extensive culinary skills.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet and adding the chopped onions and garlic. Once the onions are translucent, it’s time to mix in the rest of the ingredients. This dish is built in layers, with each ingredient combining to contribute to the overall flavor of the casserole.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the casserole transforms the mixture into a cohesive dish. Covering it with foil during the first part of the baking process helps retain moisture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
After approximately 25 minutes, removing the foil lets the cheese turn bubbly and golden, achieving that perfect look and texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This casserole is perfect on its own but can be complemented with a slice of warm bread.
Garnishing with fresh herbs can add a nice touch, bringing some freshness to the dish. Setting the casserole on a rustic wooden table creates an inviting atmosphere for a comforting meal with family or friends.
Why This Dish is a Family Favorite
The baked ground beef casserole is not just about taste; it combines simplicity with comfort.
With its ease of preparation and hearty ingredients, it caters to various tastes, making it a popular choice for families. This dish can be prepped ahead of time and stored for later, allowing for flexibility in meal planning.
Delicious Baked Ground Beef Casserole
This baked ground beef casserole features flavorful ground beef sautéed with onions and spices, layered with creamy sauces, fresh vegetables, and topped with gooey cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of taste, making it a must-try for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 370kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 24g