Amazing Ground Beef Casserole: 1 Easy Dish

There’s just something about coming home after a long day and knowing a warm, comforting meal is waiting for you, right? For me, that magic often comes in the form of a delicious Ground Beef Casserole. This isn’t some fussy, complicated dish that takes all afternoon; nope, this is the kind of straightforward, satisfying recipe that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Honestly, I’ve made this simple ground beef casserole so many times, it’s practically on autopilot now. It’s always a hit with my hungry crew, and I just love knowing it’s reliable, tasty, and always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole

Seriously, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

• Super Quick & Easy: We’re talking minimal prep and hands-off baking time. Perfect for those nights when you’re running on empty.
• Comfort Food Galore: It’s warm, it’s cheesy, it’s packed with savory ground beef – pure comfort in a dish!
• Versatile Base: While it’s fantastic as-is, it’s also a great starting point for adding your own favorite veggies or a different cheese.
• Family Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble up this classic combo.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, let’s get everything ready! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this super easy ground beef casserole. It all comes together with just a few simple things you probably already have in your pantry or fridge:

• 1 pound ground beef – Your main star here!
• 1 onion, chopped – A medium one works perfectly. It adds so much flavor!
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – This is the backbone of that creamy goodness. Trust me on this one!
• 1/2 cup milk – Just enough to make the soup mixture nice and smooth.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Duh! We need that melty, cheesy topping. Any good melting cheddar will work fine.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – To bring all those flavors together.

See? Super simple! Having everything prepped makes the actual cooking part a total breeze.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, gather ’round, bakers! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s ridiculously easy. We’ll get this delicious ground beef casserole in the oven in no time! For more amazing beef recipes, check out this garlic butter beef or this awesome bacon cheeseburger casserole.

Preheating and Browning: The Foundation of Your Ground Beef Casserole

First things first, let’s get that oven humming. Preheat it to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, grab a skillet and toss in your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook it over medium heat, breaking up the meat as you go. You want it nicely browned. Now, here’s a little trick I learned: drain off any excess grease! It just makes for a cleaner, less greasy casserole, and it’s super simple to do. Just tilt the pan carefully or use a spoon to scoop it out.

Combining the Creamy Base

Once the beef and onions are all browned and drained, it’s time to make it creamy! Pour that can of condensed cream of mushroom soup right into the skillet with the meat. Add your milk too. Give it a good stir until everything is combined and looks like a delicious, thick sauce. Honestly, it smells amazing already!

Seasoning and Assembling the Casserole

Now for the flavor boost! Sprinkle in your salt and black pepper. Give it another quick stir to get that seasoning all mixed in. Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully pour all that yummy beef and soup mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly so you don’t have a big lump in one spot. Finally, all that glorious shredded cheddar cheese gets sprinkled right over the top. Make sure it covers as much surface as possible for that perfect cheesy crust!

Baking to Golden Perfection

Into the preheated oven it goes! Pop that dish in and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melty, bubbly, and maybe even a little golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it, especially in the last few minutes, because ovens can be quirky!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, so this ground beef casserole is already pretty fantastic, but sometimes you just want to take it up a notch, right? Here are a few little things I do that make a big difference:

Pro-tip from me to you: Don’t be shy with the cheese! If you have a little extra cheddar (or even a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack!), sprinkle it on. More cheese is always a good idea. Also, I sometimes sneak in a tiny pinch of garlic powder or even onion powder with the salt and pepper when I’m browning the beef. It just adds another layer of flavor without much effort. For more ground beef cravings, check out these yummy ground beef lettuce wraps!

Variations and Substitutions for Your Ground Beef Casserole

Okay, so this ground beef casserole is wonderful just as it is, but I absolutely love playing around with it! It’s honestly so forgiving. Feeling like adding some veggies? Toss in some frozen peas or corn with the beef mixture, or maybe some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Yum! If you’re not a huge fan of cream of mushroom soup, try cream of celery or even cream of chicken soup. They work like a charm! And for the cheese? Hello, we can totally switch it up! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top makes it extra special. For another veggie-packed idea that’s totally different but still creamy and delicious, check out my chicken broccoli skillet!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Casserole

So, you’ve got this killer ground beef casserole bubbling and cheesy, but what do you serve with it? This hearty dish is practically a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round things out. A crisp green salad is always a winner – it adds a nice fresh contrast. And if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, some honey garlic roasted carrots are absolutely divine, or you could try some quick steamed green beans. Sometimes, just a slice of crusty bread to sop up any extra cheesy goodness is all you need! Oh, and if you want another amazing comforting dish, you’ve got to try my creamy gnocchi – it’s a total game-changer!

Storage and Reheating Your Ground Beef Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ground beef casserole is just as delicious the next day. Let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick fix (cover it loosely with a paper towel so it doesn’t splatter too much!), or for the best texture, pop it into a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is gooey again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Casserole

Got questions about this simple ground beef casserole? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this ground beef casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! It’s actually a great make-ahead meal. Just prepare the casserole up to the point of baking (before adding the cheese), let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the cheese, and bake as usual, but it might need an extra 5-10 minutes since it’ll be going into the oven cold. For a super helpful guide to making meals ahead, check out this meal prep chicken casserole!

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

No cream of mushroom soup on hand? No problem! You can absolutely use condensed cream of celery soup or condensed cream of chicken soup. They’ll give you a similar creamy base. Some folks even mix a can of cream of mushroom with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra tangy twist, but the direct substitute is usually the easiest swap.

Is this ground beef casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, it is! Once baked and cooled, you can wrap the casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed (you might need to add a bit more time). You can also freeze individual portions for easy lunches!

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! This is such a flexible recipe. You can easily stir in a can of drained peas or corn, some sautéed mushrooms (if you want extra ‘shroomy flavor!), or even some steamed broccoli florets when you add the soup mixture. Just make sure any veggies you add aren’t too watery after cooking.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you’re looking at per serving of this delicious ground beef casserole. Keep in mind, this is just a ballpark figure, and it can change a little depending on the brands you use and exactly how you prepare things. Everything below is per serving:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g

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