Grandma’s Classic Comforting Ground Beef Casserole

Grandma’s Classic Comforting Ground Beef Casserole 🍲✨

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite recipe: Grandma’s Classic Comforting Ground Beef Casserole. This hearty dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich, cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this ground beef casserole is easy to make and guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this dish will become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.

2. Ingredients for a Delicious Ground Beef Casserole

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional for added veggies)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for sautéing

3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole

Cooking the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sautéing Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Preparing the Meat Mixture

Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add peas if using, and mix well.

Assembling the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, combine cooked rice or pasta, the beef mixture, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese for that melty, cheesy crust.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Casserole

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease or opt for a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
• Feel free to substitute rice with cooked pasta or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to customize the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the tomato sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. How to Store and Reheat Your Ground Beef Casserole

Store leftover comforting beef casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If freezing, portion into individual servings, and reheat directly from the freezer for a quick meal.

6. Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Beef Casserole

Serve this hearty ground beef casserole with a side of fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread complements the dish perfectly. For a refreshing beverage, try pairing it with a chilled zesty citrus shrimp salad or another light appetizer.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Adjust cooking times slightly, and ensure the meat is cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free pasta and tomato sauce. For dairy-free options, replace cheese with dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether.

How long does it take to prepare this comforting beef casserole?

The total prep and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying family meal.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for comfortable and even cooking of your casserole ingredients.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Makes chopping vegetables quick and effortless, ensuring uniformity in your dish.
• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Great for prepping in advance or reheating leftovers with ease.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Though mainly for beverages, it makes meal prep smoothies or chilled drinks to enjoy alongside your casserole.

9. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty ground beef casserole to bring comfort and joy to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this classic ground beef casserole recipe promises to become a cherished family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to satisfy every palate. So get your ingredients ready, and enjoy creating this delicious, comforting dish that will remind everyone of cozy family dinners!

Grandma’s Classic Comforting Ground Beef Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Discover the delicious, hearty flavor of Grandma’s Classic Comforting Ground Beef Casserole. A perfect family dinner recipe combining tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a cheesy topping for ultimate comfort food satisfaction. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this ground beef casserole is a timeless classic that your family will love.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for sautéing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add peas if using, and mix well.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, combine cooked rice or pasta, the beef mixture, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease or mix beef and pork for more flavor.
• You can substitute rice with cooked pasta or cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to customize your casserole.
• Ensure tomato sauce and ingredients are gluten-free if making a gluten-free version.

• Author: Serena Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Main Dish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice or 1 cup
• Calories: 410 kcal Kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg