Casseroles with ground beef are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. This easy, hearty dish combines savory ground beef, melted cheese, and delicious seasonings to create a meal the whole family will love. It’s simple to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and great for leftovers.
Key Benefits of Casseroles with Ground Beef
Casseroles with ground beef are a go-to meal that offers a perfect balance of flavor, ease, and heartiness. Here’s why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen:
- Hearty and Satisfying: The ground beef provides a rich, savory base that makes the casserole filling and comforting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish will leave you full and satisfied.
- Versatile and Customizable: One of the best parts about casseroles is how easily they can be tailored to suit your tastes. Add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can even swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Simple and Quick to Prepare: This casserole comes together in a single dish, cutting down on prep time and cleanup. It’s an ideal choice when you want a meal that doesn’t take too long but still delivers on taste.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild, well-balanced flavors and comforting texture, this casserole is perfect for both kids and adults. You can even sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing!
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want a meal that lasts, casseroles with ground beef are excellent for storing in the fridge or freezer. The flavors only get better as they sit, making them a great choice for meal prep.
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Ready to give it a try? Let’s jump into the ingredients!
Ingredients for Casseroles with Ground Beef
Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef (80/20) for a balanced flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
Onions – Finely chopped onions add savory flavor to the casserole.
Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor.
Tomato Sauce – Tomato sauce provides a rich, tangy base for the casserole.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese gives a melty, gooey topping. Mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor of the casserole.
Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs create a crispy topping for contrast.
Eggs – Eggs help bind the casserole together and add a smooth texture.
Milk – Whole milk adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture.
Instructions for Casseroles with Ground Beef
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious casserole. The process is simple, and you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal ready in no time.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly top.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
Add the onions: Toss in the chopped onion with the beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step adds a savory base to the dish.
Stir in the seasonings: Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef and onions in the spices, letting everything come together for an extra boost of flavor.
Add the tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir it into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors can meld together and the sauce thickens a bit.
Mix in the vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. They’ll cook through as the casserole bakes, adding color and nutrition to the dish.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese. This will create a crunchy, golden topping as it bakes in the oven.
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make meal.
Pro Tips for Casseroles with Ground Beef
Making the perfect casserole doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to elevate your dish and ensure it turns out amazing every time:
Choose the right ground beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you want a richer flavor, go for ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 is ideal for that balance of flavor and juiciness). Just be sure to drain any excess fat before adding the other ingredients.
Sauté the vegetables: If you want to add more depth to your casserole, sauté your vegetables (like onions, peppers, or mushrooms) before adding them to the dish. This will bring out their natural sweetness and flavors, making the casserole even more savory.
Customize the cheese: While cheddar is the go-to for this recipe, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan. A blend of cheeses will give your casserole a more complex, delicious flavor.
Use fresh or frozen veggies: Both fresh and frozen vegetables work well in this casserole. If using frozen veggies, no need to thaw them—just toss them straight into the skillet. If using fresh, make sure they’re chopped into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Make it spicy: For those who love a little heat, consider adding some chili flakes, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños. These additions will give your casserole a kick and make it stand out!
Add a crispy topping: Want a golden, crunchy topping? Try mixing the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling them on top. This small extra step adds richness and enhances the texture.
Let it rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the layers time to set, making it easier to cut and serve while keeping everything intact.
Variations for Casseroles with Ground Beef
This casserole recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans like black beans or kidney beans. This will create a hearty and filling vegetarian casserole that everyone will love.
Spicy Beef Casserole: Add a little heat by tossing in diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or chili powder. If you love spicy food, this version will give your casserole a kick!
Southwestern Twist: Turn your casserole into a Southwestern delight by adding corn kernels, black beans, and a bit of taco seasoning. Top it with a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack, and serve with a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of breadcrumbs. This will give you the comforting casserole experience without the carbs, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Serving Suggestions for Casseroles with Ground Beef
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple yet flavorful sides that enhance its taste. Here are two perfect options to serve alongside:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes is an excellent complement to the richness of the casserole. Toss it with a light vinaigrette to add a tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic choice to serve with casseroles. Its crispy texture and aromatic flavor pair perfectly with the rich, meaty casserole, making it a satisfying addition to the meal.
FAQs for Casseroles with Ground Beef
How do I make my casserole more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your casserole, try adding a mix of aromatic vegetables like garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Using seasoned breadcrumbs for the topping and adding herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme will also boost the overall taste. For a deeper flavor, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time! Prepare it as instructed, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it at the same temperature for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or dinner parties.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
casseroles with ground beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly top.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
- Add the onions: Toss in the chopped onion with the beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step adds a savory base to the dish.
- Stir in the seasonings: Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef and onions in the spices, letting everything come together for an extra boost of flavor.
- Add the tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir it into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors can meld together and the sauce thickens a bit.
- Mix in the vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. They’ll cook through as the casserole bakes, adding color and nutrition to the dish.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese. This will create a crunchy, golden topping as it bakes in the oven.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make meal.