Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef casserole is a one-pan meal that feeds a family in under an hour. It uses frozen mixed vegetables and basic pantry staples like soup and pasta.

You can mix the meat with any frozen veggies you have on hand. The recipe works with elbow pasta, but any short pasta will do. No need for a special sauce.

The layers of meat, veggies, and cheese create a hearty dish. It’s easy to adjust for dietary needs, like using gluten-free pasta or low-fat cheese.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)

Choose 80/20 for juiciness, or 90/10 for less grease. Leaner beef cooks faster but may need extra seasoning.

1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables

Use peas, carrots, and corn. Fresh veggies work too, but take longer to cook. Any combination is fine.

1/2 cup diced onion

Yellow onion adds sweetness. Substitute with shallots or red onion if you prefer a sharper flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives more depth. Use jarred if you’re short on time, but it’s less punchy.

1 cup tomato sauce

Use store-bought or homemade. Add a splash of Worcestershire for extra umami if you like.

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Any cream soup works. Use a low-sodium version if you want to control salt.

1 lb (16 oz) elbow pasta

Short pasta holds up to baking. Substitute with ziti, penne, or any similar shape.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar melts well. Use mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

1 tsp salt

Adjust to taste. Kosher salt is better for seasoning than table salt.

1/2 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground pepper has more flavor. Substitute with cayenne for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the pan

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and cook the beef until browned. Use a spatula to break it into chunks.

2. Add veggies and season

Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add frozen veggies, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Combine with soup and pasta

Pour in the soup, then stir in the pasta. Ensure it’s evenly coated. Let it simmer 5 minutes to thicken.

4. Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish. Spread evenly, then top with shredded cheese. Use a fork to press the cheese into the surface.

5. Bake until golden

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool 5 minutes before serving.

6. Serve and store

Divide into portions. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freeze in individual portions for 2 months.

How to Store Ground Beef Recipes

Delicious Variations

• Add a layer of cooked diced potatoes under the cheese for heartier texture.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or provolone for different melt patterns.
• Mix in cooked rice or cauliflower for a lower-carb version.

Frequently Asked Questions

This ground beef casserole is your go-to for a fast, flavorful meal. Prep it once, enjoy it multiple times. Happy cooking, Emily

Ground Beef Recipes

This comforting ground beef casserole is ready in 35 minutes with everyday ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 lb (16 oz) elbow pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prep the pan — Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and cook the beef until browned. Use a spatula to break it into chunks.
2. 2Add veggies and season — Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add frozen veggies, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. 3Combine with soup and pasta — Pour in the soup, then stir in the pasta. Ensure it’s evenly coated. Let it simmer 5 minutes to thicken.
4. 4Transfer to baking dish — Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish. Spread evenly, then top with shredded cheese. Use a fork to press the cheese into the surface.
5. 5Bake until golden — Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool 5 minutes before serving.
6. 6Serve and store — Divide into portions. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freeze in individual portions for 2 months.

👨🍳 Chef’s Note: The recipe is flexible. Add spices like oregano or paprika for extra depth. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Dish

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat