Ground Beef Casserole
A delightful comfort food that layers rich ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender noodles or potatoes, perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 pound Ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Starch/Pasta
- 3 cups Cooked noodles or sliced potatoes Egg noodles for softness or potatoes for a hearty texture.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with any cream soup.
- 1/2 cup Milk Consider low-sodium options.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Diced onion Enhances sweetness when sautéed.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adjust to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper Add according to your preference.
Optional Ingredients
- Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms Add for enhanced flavor.
- 2 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar is a classic choice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes until it’s brown. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the beef during the last few minutes of cooking and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Combination
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef and onions with the cooked noodles or sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For added flavor, incorporate herbs like oregano or thyme. Customize vegetables based on your preferences. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream.