Ah, a Ground Beef Casserole — classic comfort food! 🥘 Hearty, cheesy, and customizable, it’s perfect for weeknights because you can toss it together in one dish. Here’s a simple, crowd-pleasing version:
🥩 Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp each: basil + oregano)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Optional toppings: crushed tortilla chips, breadcrumbs, or extra cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the beef mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and frozen vegetables. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
3️⃣ Combine with pasta/rice:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta or rice with the beef mixture.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Add cheese and bake:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Optional: top with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
💡 Tips:
- Make it faster: Use pre-cooked rice or pasta and pre-chopped veggies.
- Make it hearty: Add beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
- Leftover-friendly: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze in portions.
If you want, I can also give a “5-ingredient shortcut ground beef casserole” that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.