Hey there! If you’re anything like me, some nights you just want a cozy, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where my go-to easy dinner casserole comes in! This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying. It’s so simple that even beginner cooks can whip it up without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home. Ground beef, pasta, veggies, and creamy goodness all come together to create a dish that’s not only comforting but also full of flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation! Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this scrumptious easy dinner casserole! Here’s a simple list to help you out:
- 1 pound ground beef: You can use lean beef or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to brown it nicely for that rich flavor!
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and depth to the dish. You can also use cream of chicken if that’s what you prefer!
- 2 cups cooked pasta: Any type will do! I love using elbow macaroni or penne, but feel free to be adventurous with your favorite shapes!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melty goodness, but you can mix it up with mozzarella or a blend!
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: No chopping required here! Just grab a bag of your favorite mix for convenience.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic kick—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a lovely flavor boost without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go to ensure your casserole is seasoned just right!
How to Prepare *Easy Dinner Casseroles*
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s as simple as it gets. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting, delicious casserole to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly!
- Next, grab a large skillet and brown your ground beef over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s nice and browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, and don’t forget to scrape up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom!
- Once your beef is cooked, add the cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. It should look creamy and inviting!
- Now, transfer this hearty mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every bite is packed with goodness.
- Sprinkle your shredded cheese generously on top. I mean, can you ever have too much cheese? I think not!
- Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbling and the cheese is all melty and golden.
- Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. This gives it a chance to set up a bit so you can serve it without it falling apart. Trust me, you’ll want that perfect slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy dinner casserole is a true winner for so many reasons! Here’s why I think you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Quick prep time: You can have this casserole ready to pop in the oven in just 10 minutes—perfect for those busy nights!
- Delicious flavors: The combination of creamy soup, savory beef, and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
- Family-friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike! It’s comforting and satisfying, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Customizable: Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Swap out the beef for leftovers or change up the veggies—get creative!
- Leftover friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day without any fuss!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy dinner casserole turns out amazing every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the ground beef well. This adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish!
- Mix it well: When combining the ingredients, make sure everything is evenly distributed. You want each bite to be a perfect balance of flavors.
- Check your seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking. If it needs a little more salt or pepper, don’t hesitate to adjust to your liking!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. You want it bubbly and golden, but not overcooked!
- Let it rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to cool before serving helps it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up your delicious easy dinner casserole, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it! Here are a few ideas that pair wonderfully and will round out your meal:
- Simple side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness!
- Steamed veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.
- Fruit salad: For a light dessert, a bowl of mixed fruit can be a sweet finish to your meal.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect dinner spread, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional details of this scrumptious easy dinner casserole? Here’s a rough estimate per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Always a good idea to check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about making this easy dinner casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. You can use leftover chicken, turkey, or even sausage. Just chop it up and mix it in!
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! You can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make your own white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Easy Dinner Casseroles: 7 Steps to Delicious Comfort!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for easy dinner casseroles that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any leftover cooked meat instead of ground beef.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference.
- For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy dinner casseroles, simple casseroles, beginner casserole recipe
