Beef Casserole with Ground Beef | Simple Cooker Recipes

Jump to Recipe

Ground beef browns quickly in a skillet, but this casserole uses tenderloin for juicier results. Take 10 minutes to sauté onions before adding meat.

Skip the canned soup. Simmer a mushroom sauce from scratch with broth, flour, and cream. It takes 15 minutes to make and adds depth.

Common mistake: Overcooking meat. It dries out. Use a thermometer to check doneness at 145°F (63°C).

Another error: Rushing the sauce. Let it thicken for 5 minutes after adding cream. It improves texture.

About the Ingredients

1 lb beef tenderloin

Tenderloin is lean and cooks faster than other cuts. Substitute with sirloin if unavailable.

1 cup chopped onions

Onions add sweetness. Use frozen if fresh is scarce. Cook until translucent.

3 garlic cloves

Mince garlic fine to avoid bitterness. Replace with 1/2 tsp garlic powder if unsure.

2 cups beef broth

Low-sodium broth prevents salt overload. Use water with bouillon if needed.

1/2 cup heavy cream

Heavy cream thickens the sauce. Substitute with milk or half-and-half for lighter texture.

1/4 cup flour

Flour binds the sauce. Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

2 tbsp olive oil

Olive oil prevents sticking. Use butter for richer aroma.

1 cup sliced mushrooms

Mushrooms add umami. Swap with button or cremini for similar flavor.

1 tsp salt

Salt balances the dish. Use less if broth is salty. Adjust to taste.

1/2 tsp pepper

Pepper enhances meat. Use black or white depending on preference.

1/4 tsp thyme

Thyme pairs with beef. Substitute with rosemary or sage if missing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Heat oil in a skillet. Add beef and cook until edges are seared. Flip and cook 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the onions

Sauté onions in the same pan until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Don’t let it burn.

3. Make the sauce

Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir for 2 minutes. Add broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.

4. Combine layers

Layer beef, onions, and sauce in a casserole dish. Top with mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Bake

Place in oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes. Edges should bubble, and top be golden.

6. Serve

Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with rice or crusty bread. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Delicious Variations

• Swap tenderloin with ground beef for a quicker version. It browns in 10 minutes.
• Add frozen peas or carrots for extra veggies. They cook during the final 10 minutes.
• Top with shredded cheddar for a cheesy layer. It melts evenly under the oven heat.

How to Store Beef Casserole Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Try this recipe tonight for a cozy meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Adjust the spices to your taste and enjoy.

Beef Casserole with Ground Beef | Simple Cooker Recipes

Beef Casserole with Ground Beef – Creamy, no-canned-soup version ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals with 6 servings.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb beef tenderloin
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp thyme

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the beef — Heat oil in a skillet. Add beef and cook until edges are seared. Flip and cook 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. 2Cook the onions — Sauté onions in the same pan until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Don’t let it burn.
3. 3Make the sauce — Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir for 2 minutes. Add broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
4. 4Combine layers — Layer beef, onions, and sauce in a casserole dish. Top with mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5Bake — Place in oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes. Edges should bubble, and top be golden.
6. 6Serve — Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with rice or crusty bread. Adjust seasoning if needed.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: This casserole relies on low heat to keep the meat tender. Rushing the steps will dry it out.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

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

Written by James O'Brien

James O'Brien focuses on 5-ingredient meals for easy dump-and-go cooking, especially one-pot chicken and beef dishes that save time on weeknights. He believes that with a few good ingredients and a simple method, anyone can make a satisfying meal without a long shopping list. His writing strips away every unnecessary step.