Ground Beef Casserole

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Here’s a comforting and hearty recipe for Ground Beef Casserole, perfect for a family meal or a make-ahead dish:

Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice (or pasta, like elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of chicken soup)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    • Cook the rice or pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the Ground Beef
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
    • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
  3. Combine the Casserole Filling
    • Stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. Add the beef broth or water and mix well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through and the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Assemble the Casserole
    • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice (or pasta) with the beef mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
    • Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake the Casserole
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve
    • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or green onions if desired.

Tips:

  • Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
  • Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to use fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini instead of frozen mixed vegetables.
  • Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

This Ground Beef Casserole is easy to make, customizable, and a great way to feed a crowd.

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