If you’re looking for a dinner option that’s both simple and hearty, then ground beef casseroles are your new best friend! This dish is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste—add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or even spice it up with some hot sauce! Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s warm, filling, and sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is one of the best parts! Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious ground beef casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (feel free to use your favorites!)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works great here!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create something truly comforting. And remember, if you want to mix it up, you can easily swap out the vegetables or cheese based on what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious ground beef casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden cheese topping.
- While the oven is warming up, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked through, it’s important to drain any excess fat. Just tilt the skillet carefully and spoon out the grease, or pour it into a heat-safe container. This step helps keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Now, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the can of cream of mushroom soup into the skillet. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Add in the cooked rice, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
- Next, transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Yum, right?
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Trust me, the smell will have everyone in the house coming to check on dinner!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set just a bit, making it easier to scoop out those perfect portions.
Tips for Success
To really nail this ground beef casserole, here are some handy tips! First, make sure to drain the beef well to avoid a greasy dish—nobody wants that! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked or leftover rice works wonders. Don’t hesitate to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have in your fridge; broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach can add a nice twist. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your liking—if you love garlic, add a bit more garlic powder! Lastly, keep an eye on the cheese; it should be bubbly but not burnt, so check it toward the end of baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-friendly and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and cheeses—make it your own!
- Comforting and satisfying, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. For one serving of this ground beef casserole, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
It’s a hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying without feeling too heavy!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this casserole if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to season it well to keep the flavor strong.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up!
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! This ground beef casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it’ll last for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with it? This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can keep it light or go all out with sides!
How do I reheat the casserole? To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. This way, you’ll keep all that delicious flavor intact!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving this ground beef casserole with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and balance. You could also pair it with some warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Trust me, these sides will round out your meal beautifully and keep everyone coming back for more!
For more delicious casserole ideas, check out this link.
If you’re interested in other comforting meals, you might enjoy taco soup as well!
Lastly, for a delightful dessert to follow, consider making strawberry shortcake crumble cookies.
Print
Ground Beef Casseroles for Dinner: 10 Easy Steps!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty ground beef casserole that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet.
- Stir in the cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything well and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or leftover rice for best results.
- Feel free to swap mixed vegetables for your favorites.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ground beef casseroles for dinner
