Ah, Ground Beef Casserole—the ultimate all-in-one comfort food: hearty, cheesy, and easy to make with pantry staples. Let me break it down:
Ingredients
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Ground beef – Browned and seasoned; forms the savory base.
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Pasta, rice, or potatoes – Carbs that soak up all the flavor.
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Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix, melted and gooey.
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Creamy or tomato-based sauce – Can be condensed soup (cream of mushroom/tomato), pasta sauce, or a homemade cream sauce.
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Optional extras – Onion, garlic, bell pepper, corn, diced tomatoes, herbs, or breadcrumbs for topping.
Basic Steps
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Brown the beef: Cook with onions, garlic, and seasonings; drain excess fat.
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Prepare base: Cook pasta, rice, or potatoes if needed.
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Mix everything: Combine beef, carbs, sauce, and half the cheese. Pour into a casserole dish.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if desired).
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Bake: 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Optional garnish with parsley or green onions.
Why It Works
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Hearty, filling, and comforting.
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Flexible: Swap carbs, add vegetables, or adjust spices.
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Kid- and family-friendly: Almost everyone loves cheesy ground beef goodness.
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Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake later.
If you want, I can give you a super simple 5-ingredient version that’s ready in under 40 minutes and still tastes like classic homemade comfort food.