Grandma’s Famous Easy & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole 🍲🥩✨
1. Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, delicious dish that can feed the whole family, look no further than Grandma’s Famous Easy & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole. This classic recipe combines flavorful ground beef, vegetables, and a rich, cheesy topping to create a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this hearty beef casserole is straightforward, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Discover how to make this iconic dish from scratch and get tips on customizing it to your taste!
2. Ingredients for the Easy Ground Beef Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For more delicious dinner ideas using ground beef, check out our dinner recipe collection.
3. How to Make Grandma’s Beef Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Pre-Cooking
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat for a healthier dish.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, cooked rice or pasta, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Easy Ground Beef Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This hearty beef casserole pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a side dish that complements the richness, consider serving garlic bread or a crusty baguette. Looking for a refreshing beverage? A cold glass of iced tea or a light white wine enhances the flavors.
Try pairing this dish with some zesty citrus shrimp salad for a balanced meal.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Easy Ground Beef Casserole
Can I customize this hearty beef casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like chopped zucchini or mushrooms, or switch out the cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Is this casserole suitable for diabetic or low-carb diets?
You can modify the recipe by using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and opting for a low-sodium, sugar-free soup variant to make it more suitable for specific dietary needs.
How long does it take to prepare and bake this dish?
The total time, including preparation and baking, is approximately 40-45 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Non-stick skillet – With this, you can easily cook and brown your ground beef, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowls – Perfect for combining ingredients in one convenient spot.
- Oven-safe baking dish – Essential for baking your hearty beef casserole to perfection.
- Cheese grater – For freshly grating cheese to enhance flavor and presentation.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient. Discover these and more at trusted retailers!
8. Tips for the Perfect Hearty Beef Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
- Feel free to add hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream before baking.
9. Conclusion
Grandma’s Famous Easy & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines simple ingredients with timeless flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or anyone craving a fulfilling meal, this casserole hits the spot. Its flexibility allows for numerous variations, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation. Give it a try today and impress your family with this classic, hearty dish. Remember to explore our other delicious dinner recipes for more inspiration!
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Grandma’s Famous Easy & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole
Discover the comforting and hearty flavors of Grandma’s Famous Easy & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole. This classic family favorite combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese in a delicious, budget-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a must-try comfort food recipe that will become a family staple.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all ingredients and preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, cooked rice or pasta, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well and cook until heated through.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like chopped zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
- Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven until hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Main Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
