If you’ve ever craved that warm, comforting feeling of a home-cooked meal, then you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and cheesy goodness all baked together into one delightful dish. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a satisfying dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole hits all the right notes. From the savory browned beef to the melty cheddar on top, every bite wraps you in that classic, cozy vibe that makes casseroles a timeless favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the ground beef giving a robust meatiness to the velvety cream of mushroom soup and the colorful pop from the mixed vegetables.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that delivers rich, savory flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that enhances every bite.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: Brings color, texture, and a boost of nutrients.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy binder that makes the casserole irresistibly moist.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top.
- 3 cups cooked pasta or cooked rice: The comforting carb base that soaks up all the savory juices.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right hint of spice.
- 1-2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step is where the magic starts—browning the beef not only cooks it through but also develops deep, savory flavors that lay the foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once your beef is nicely browned, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions become translucent and soft. This brings out a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beef, adding complexity and aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables and Sauce
Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. They add a great contrast in color and texture, plus a little nutritional boost. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, which binds everything together with its creamy richness. This is what gives the casserole its signature moist, luscious texture you’ll want to savor.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta or Rice
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a large bowl. Now fold in your cooked pasta or rice. This comforting starch absorbs the flavorful juices, turning every forkful into a warm, filling experience that feels like a hug from the inside.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the beef mixture. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese to create that golden, bubbly cheese crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. When the cheese is beautifully melted and golden, your homestyle masterpiece is ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving. These simple touches make the casserole look as inviting as it tastes and add a pop of fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Their fresh crunch and lightness complement the casserole’s creamy, hearty profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist and individual servings, prepare this homestyle ground beef casserole recipe in smaller ramekins or muffin tins. It creates adorable personal portions that are perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping, making every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the comforting flavors again without extra effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, hearty meal any time.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If using the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. This helps maintain that tasty melted cheese topping and keeps the casserole moist and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the casserole a bit lighter, but keep in mind that turkey may have less fat, so adding a little olive oil while cooking can help keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What’s the best pasta to use in this casserole?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well and mix evenly with the beef and vegetables, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your casserole with veggies like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure everything is tender and cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular condensed cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free pasta or rice as the base. This way, you can enjoy all the comfort without worry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based crumbled protein or extra vegetables and choose a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. It’s a flexible recipe that easily adapts to what you have and prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm kitchen hug after a long day. It’s straightforward to make but packs incredible flavor and comfort in every layer. I can’t wait for you to try it out and add your own twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this casserole will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring browned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, mixed vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup blended with pasta or rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups cooked pasta or cooked rice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until nicely browned, breaking the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. This process creates a rich base for the casserole.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the savory flavor of the dish.
- Mix in Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables followed by the condensed cream of mushroom soup. This adds creaminess and moisture to blend all the flavors together.
- Combine with Pasta or Rice: Transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl and gently fold in the cooked pasta or rice, ensuring that the starch soaks up the flavorful beef and sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed vegetables with fresh or other frozen vegetable blends according to your preference.
- Use cooked rice for a gluten-free option in place of pasta.
- For extra flavor, add some herbs like thyme or rosemary along with parsley.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
