There’s something so comforting about a warm casserole, right? I can’t help but smile when I think of cozy weeknight dinners filled with the magic of bubbling cheese and savory goodness. This easy weeknight dinners casserole is my go-to for those busy evenings when I want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Plus, it’s flexible! You can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’ll make your weeknight dinners a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cooked pasta, any shape you like
- 1 cup shredded cheese, your choice (cheddar is a favorite!)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets all bubbly and golden. While the oven heats up, you can get started on the next steps!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once it’s done, carefully drain any excess fat. This little step keeps your casserole from being too greasy!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the same skillet, it’s time to add in all those delicious ingredients! Toss in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub a little butter inside. This will help your casserole slide right out later. Carefully pour the beef and veggie mixture into the greased dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Now for my favorite part—cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Make sure to cover it well so every bite has that gooey, cheesy goodness. Trust me, you want that cheese to melt perfectly!
Step 6: Bake
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering, so get ready!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes—it’ll be super hot. This little wait helps the layers set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Then, scoop yourself a generous portion, and enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious casserole in the oven in no time!
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet and one baking dish mean you won’t spend your evening washing a mountain of dishes.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, thanks to its cheesy goodness and colorful veggies—perfect for picky eaters!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use different types of cheese. It’s all about what your family loves!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making busy nights a breeze.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to whip up this easy weeknight dinners casserole, here are a few pro tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time!
Ensure Your Pasta is Al Dente
When cooking your pasta, aim for al dente—this means it should still have a bit of bite to it. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy in the casserole, and nobody wants that! Remember, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven, so undercooking it slightly is the way to go.
Get Creative with Vegetables
This casserole is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to mix it up with your favorite vegetables! If you’ve got some leftover bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli, toss them in! Just make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Fresh, frozen, or even canned veggies work—whatever you have on hand!
Cheese Alternatives for Every Taste
If you want to try different cheeses, go for it! Cheddar is classic, but you could also use mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey effect or even pepper jack for a little kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are plenty of great plant-based cheese options available that melt well. Just look for ones labeled as “shredded” to make your life easier!
Season to Taste
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to match your flavor preferences! If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. Want a fresh twist? Stir in some Italian herbs like basil or oregano. Taste as you go, and make it your own!
Leftovers Are Your Friend
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers! If you have any extra, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and you’ll have another delicious meal ready in no time!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you want to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner option. You can even use meat alternatives like lentils or crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to season them well to keep the flavors delicious!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until it’s warmed through.
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this casserole is its versatility! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies like spinach, corn, or even sweet potatoes. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a thermometer to check that it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Just keep an eye on that delicious cheese—trust me, you’ll know it’s close when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for a serving of this easy weeknight dinners casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels for the most accurate information!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole is a balanced meal that offers a good mix of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying choice for dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious easy weeknight dinners casserole and now you’ve got some leftovers (if there are any left, that is!). Storing them properly is key to keeping that tasty goodness intact for another meal!
Start by letting the casserole cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make your leftovers soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container. If you want to save some time later, you can also portion it out into individual servings—perfect for lunches or quick dinners!
In the fridge, your casserole will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated all the way through.
If you prefer reheating it in the oven, you can do that too! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole dish with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat it for about 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it’s warmed perfectly!
And if you want to store it for a longer period, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. It can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as mentioned above. Easy peasy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this easy weeknight dinners casserole as I am to share it with you! It’s a dish that brings people together, and I can’t wait to hear about your experiences in the kitchen. Did you add a twist with different veggies or a new cheese? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
Cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. If you enjoyed this casserole, why not share it with your friends and family? Everyone deserves a little comfort food in their lives, and this dish is perfect for busy nights or cozy gatherings. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!
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Easy Weeknight Dinners Casserole: 7 Simple Steps to Joy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 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, cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey.
- You can add your favorite vegetables or swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Always check the pasta cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: easy weeknight dinners casserole
