Easy Comforting Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

The aroma of a bubbling Comforting Casserole with Ground Beef wafts through the house like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this dish nestled in your kitchen, inviting you to dive right in as its rich layers of flavors meld into one mouthwatering experience.

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As I reminisce about childhood dinners when my mom would whip up her famous casserole, I remember how it sparked joy and laughter among family members around the table. This Comforting Casserole is more than just food; it’s an edible embrace that screams home and happiness during those cozy nights in.

I still chuckle when I think about the time I made this casserole for my friends. They were skeptical at first but ended up asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Aim for lean ground beef to keep it juicy without being overly greasy.
• Onion: Sweet onions add flavor; chop finely to ensure they mix well throughout.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; nothing beats that aromatic punch.
• Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for added texture; they bring moisture and flavor.
• Pasta: Medium shells or rotini work great; they catch sauce beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that melty goodness we all crave.
• Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies save time and add color plus nutrition.
• Spices: A blend of Italian seasoning and salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps it flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you can easily access them while cooking. Chop your onion and garlic finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. This should take about three minutes.

Add the Ground Beef: Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned through. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks—no one likes clumps in their casserole.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in canned tomatoes along with Italian seasoning and salt. Let it simmer for five minutes to allow those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Veggies: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta (follow package instructions) with frozen vegetables before adding them to your beef mixture for added color and nutrition.

Bake to Perfection: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese before placing it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Now you have a comforting meal ready to serve!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic, then mix in other ingredients while preheating the oven to 350°F for optimal cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to enhance flavors and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

A friend once told me that her kids devoured my comforting casserole with ground beef so quickly that she had to hide leftovers just to get some herself; now that’s a win!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work great in a comforting casserole with ground beef.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day early, store it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

How long can I keep leftovers of the casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days without losing flavor or texture.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Easy Comforting Casserole with Ground Beef

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the warmth of this Easy Comforting Casserole with Ground Beef, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make family dinners memorable.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups medium pasta shells, cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine cooked pasta and mixed vegetables; add to the beef mixture.
6. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg