Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite like bringing everyone to the table with the irresistible aroma of a homemade Ground Beef Casserole. This all-in-one meal is brimming with savory ground beef, creamy layers of soup and cheese, and the hearty bite of golden potatoes. It’s the dish I turn to when I need something fuss-free for a busy night—or a reliable favorite to please a big, hungry crew. The combination of familiar flavors and comforting textures makes Ground Beef Casserole a go-to classic that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity of this recipe. Every ingredient is a superstar here, working together to deliver a casserole that’s rich, creamy, and full of satisfying flavor. Don’t worry about fancy techniques—just grab these everyday kitchen staples, and you’ll be halfway to dinner bliss.

• Ground Beef: Choose between 1½ to 2 pounds—lean beef keeps things lighter, but any percentage will add tons of flavor and that signature heartiness.
• Cream of Condensed Mushroom Soup: This soup adds savory depth and creaminess that binds the casserole together—if you love mushrooms, this layer is essential.
• Cream of Cheddar Cheese Soup: For irresistible cheesiness and extra creaminess, this can transforms your casserole into comfort food gold.
• Frozen Cubed Potatoes (Southern-style hash browns): No need to thaw—these give the casserole its hearty backbone and rustic texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use half in the mix and half for topping; sharp cheddar is especially good for a big cheesy punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning keeps everything tasting just right—don’t be shy!
• (Optional Add-Ins): Toss in garlic powder, diced onions, frozen peas, bell peppers, or paprika to add color and even more flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by tossing your ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. As it sizzles and browns, break it apart with a spoon, letting that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen. Be sure to cook until it’s no longer pink—all those beautiful browned bits soak up flavor. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease; you want the beef rich, not oily.

Step 2: Combine All the Goodness

Transfer the browned beef to a large mixing bowl and get ready to build the heart of your Ground Beef Casserole. Add the condensed mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, frozen cubed potatoes (no need to thaw!), and half the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Don’t hesitate to add in those optional extras like diced onions or bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous! Stir everything until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your casserole comes out in perfect, cheesy scoops. Spread that beefy-potato mixture evenly in the dish and don’t forget to top it with the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese. This final layer is what creates that iconic golden, bubbly crust we all dream about.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to tenderize. The covered baking time is key for a moist, perfectly cooked casserole.

Step 5: Finish Uncovered

Uncover the dish and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The top gets beautifully golden and the cheese turns irresistibly melty and bubbly. Trust me—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 6: Let It Set and Serve

After pulling your Ground Beef Casserole from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This short wait helps everything firm up a bit so you can serve up neat, hearty squares filled with creamy, beefy goodness.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Bring even more personality to your casserole by sprinkling on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving. For a little kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce. These quick finishing touches add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that really make the dish irresistible.

Side Dishes

This hearty Ground Beef Casserole is practically a meal all by itself, but it plays well with simple sides. I love serving it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for balance. Buttery dinner rolls or a loaf of crusty bread are perfect for mopping up all that creamy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up, try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for single-serve casseroles—a great idea for dinner parties or meal prep. For a homespun touch, top each piece with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream. Even a sprinkle of crushed potato chips or French-fried onions can add a fun crunch to the finished dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Ground Beef Casserole will keep beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld, making for an even tastier meal the next day!

Freezing

Yes, this casserole is a freezer superstar. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into individual airtight containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Label with the date so you remember when you made that delicious magic.

Reheating

Reheating Ground Beef Casserole couldn’t be easier. If warming the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout, about 25–30 minutes. For single servings, just microwave for a couple of minutes, adding a splash of milk if you want to keep the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen cubed potatoes?

Absolutely! Dice raw potatoes into small cubes and add them right in. Just keep in mind that fresh potatoes may take a bit longer to soften, so you might need to extend the overall baking time until they’re perfectly tender.

Is it okay to swap out soups or cheeses?

Definitely! Cream of chicken or even celery soup work well for a different twist, and you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese to change up the vibe. The recipe is forgiving and fun to make your own.

Can I prepare Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to a day in advance. Cover the unbaked casserole and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, pop it right into the preheated oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How can I make the casserole lighter?

For a lighter touch, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, low-fat condensed soups, and reduced-fat cheddar. You’ll keep all those comforting flavors with fewer calories, so feel free to load up your plate a little more!

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Feel free to mix in things like diced carrots, frozen peas, corn, spinach, bell peppers, or even cooked mushrooms. These veggies not only add nutrition but also a fun pop of color, making the casserole even more appealing to picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings comfort like a bubbling Ground Beef Casserole fresh from the oven. I hope you’ll give this crowd-pleasing recipe a try—it’s wonderfully simple, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to put smiles on every face around your table!

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