Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you know that after a long day, the last thing you want to do is fuss over dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore easy dinner recipes casseroles! They’re like a warm hug in a dish—simple to throw together and packed with flavor. This casserole recipe is my go-to when I’m craving comfort food without the hassle. Trust me, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s perfect for the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! So grab your apron and let’s get cooking; you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious dish in your life!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use turkey or chicken if you prefer!)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (no need to drain, just toss them in!)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (feel free to use your favorites—corn, peas, carrots, you name it!)
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (I love using elbow macaroni, but any small pasta works great)
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is my go-to, but mozzarella or a blend is delicious too)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp onion powder (if you have fresh onions on hand, feel free to chop some up instead)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning makes all the difference!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly. While it’s warming up, you can prep your ingredients!
Brown the Ground Beef
Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to break it up a bit with your spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. You want it flavorful, not greasy! A good rule of thumb is that the meat should look brown and no longer pink. You’re on the right track!
Combine Ingredients
Next up, let’s mix it all together! In the same skillet (no need to dirty another dish!), add in the diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, uncooked pasta, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well—this is where the magic happens! Just a quick tip: make sure the pasta is covered in liquid so it can cook properly. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, it’s time to transfer your beautifully mixed ingredients into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly. You don’t want some parts overcooked while others are underdone!
Baking Instructions
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps everything meld together perfectly. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the pasta is tender. Mmm, can you smell that?
Adding Cheese
Okay, here comes my favorite part—cheese! After the casserole has baked for 30 minutes, pull it out and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Then, return it to the oven for those last 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s going to look so inviting!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes. This is hard, I know, but it helps the layers settle a bit and makes serving easier. When you’re ready, scoop out a generous portion, and if you like, serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side salad. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup, yay!
- Delicious, hearty flavors that satisfy everyone at the table.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth and joy to your dinner table.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the ground beef. This step is crucial for developing flavor! If it cooks too quickly, it might not get that delicious caramelization.
- Check Your Broth: Depending on the brand, some beef broths can be saltier than others. Taste a splash before adding salt to the mixture. You can always add more salt later, but it’s tough to fix a dish that’s too salty!
- Mix Well: Make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly before transferring it to the baking dish. This ensures that the pasta and veggies are evenly distributed, so every bite is delicious!
- Foil Trick: If you notice the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while still allowing it to melt beautifully.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices! A pinch of Italian seasoning, some red pepper flakes for heat, or even a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the flavors.
- Cool Properly: Remember to let the casserole cool for a bit after baking. This helps set the layers, making it easier to serve without it falling apart.
- Store Leftovers Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste amazing the next day, and you can easily reheat them in the oven or microwave!
Variations
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility! You can get creative and make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding in your favorites. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. You could also go vegetarian by substituting with lentils, black beans, or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free option!
- Vegetable Medley: Use whatever frozen or fresh veggies you have on hand! Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach can add a lovely touch. Just make sure to chop fresh veggies into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- Pasta Variety: While I love elbow macaroni, you can switch it up with penne, rotini, or any small pasta you prefer. Even gluten-free pasta works great if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions!
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese! A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is fantastic, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick. You could even mix in some cream cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture!
- Herb and Spice Infusion: Add your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor! A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or even a dash of cumin can really elevate the taste. Don’t be afraid to play around!
- Top It Off: For a crunchy topping, consider adding some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking. It gives a delightful texture that everyone will love!
The sky’s the limit when it comes to these casseroles, so have fun experimenting! Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re using different ingredients to ensure everything is cooked through. Enjoy making it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delicious casserole. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This casserole is not only satisfying but also provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats to keep you fueled. Just remember, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, and the nutritional values will adjust accordingly. Enjoy your meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting cold.
What if I don’t have ground beef?
No worries! This recipe is super flexible. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, lentils or black beans are fantastic choices!
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! If you have fresh veggies on hand, feel free to chop them up and use them instead. Just remember that fresh veggies might need a little longer to cook, so cut them into small pieces to ensure they get tender during baking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll want to check that the edges are bubbling and the pasta is tender. If you’re unsure, you can always stick a fork in to taste the pasta. It should be cooked, but not mushy. The cheese on top should be melted and golden for that perfect finish!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven!
Easy Dinner Recipes Casseroles: 7 Comforting Favorites
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious casserole recipe that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, uncooked pasta, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or beans.
- You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand.
- Make sure to stir the mixture well before baking to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy dinner recipes casseroles
