Hearty Ground Beef Casserole: The Perfect One-Dish Family Meal
This exceptional Ground Beef Casserole combines savory seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables and creamy layers to create the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions, this Ground Beef Casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beauty of this Ground Beef Casserole lies in its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal, making it an ideal solution for feeding large families or entertaining guests. With its rich, satisfying flavors and convenient one-dish preparation, this Ground Beef Casserole will quickly become your go-to recipe for delicious, stress-free dinners.
Storage Options
Store leftover Ground Beef Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Summary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Can opener
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Vegetable Layer:
- 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Create the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Spread the cooked rice or pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the frozen mixed vegetables and corn over the rice.
- Add Beef Layer: Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the vegetable layer, spreading it to cover completely.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef layer.
- Create Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For best results, use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for optimal flavor and moisture
- Pre-cooking rice or pasta ensures even cooking throughout the casserole
- Drain canned corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the final dish
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving to help it set properly for cleaner slices
Tips for Success
Perfect Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning ground beef. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve proper browning rather than steaming.
Moisture Control: If your vegetables release excess moisture, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid before layering.
Even Cooking: Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the casserole.
Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Make-Ahead Success: Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.
Additional Tips and Variations
Vegetable Variations: Substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh broccoli, carrots, peas, or green beans based on your family’s preferences.
Protein Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for different flavor profiles while maintaining the same cooking method.
Starch Options: Replace rice with cooked pasta, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes for variety.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Healthier Version: Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantities, and add extra vegetables to boost nutrition.
International Flavors: Transform this base recipe with Italian herbs and mozzarella, or Mexican seasonings with pepper jack cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare this Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery? A: Ensure you drain the ground beef well after browning, and avoid using too much sauce. If using frozen vegetables, you can thaw and drain them first.
Q: Can I freeze this Ground Beef Casserole? A: Absolutely! Freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, or freeze leftovers in individual portions. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover casserole? A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free? A: Yes! Use rice instead of pasta, ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free, and check that all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? A: The casserole is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole represents everything we love about comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying while remaining simple enough for busy weeknight cooking. The beauty of this Ground Beef Casserole lies not just in its delicious taste, but in its remarkable versatility and convenience factor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a large family, or looking for a dish that travels well to potluck dinners, this Ground Beef Casserole delivers on all fronts.
The adaptability of this Ground Beef Casserole makes it an invaluable addition to your recipe collection. From ingredient substitutions to make-ahead preparation, this recipe works with your schedule and dietary needs rather than against them. The combination of protein, vegetables, and starches creates a nutritionally balanced meal that satisfies both adults and children, making dinner time stress-free and enjoyable for the entire family.