Ah, busy nights. We all have them, and let’s be honest, after a long day, the last thing any of us wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where the humble casserole comes in – a hero for the home cook in need of a quick, hearty, and delicious meal.
Ground beef casseroles? Even better! They’re not just easy to make but also budget-friendly, and the best part? They’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy, tomatoey, or creamy dishes, there’s a ground beef casserole out there with your name on it.
In this blog post, we’re going to walk you through three easy ground beef casserole recipes that are perfect for those nights when time is of the essence but you’re craving something scrumptious. So, tie on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Beef and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the sour cream.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by the beef sauce, and then half of the cheeses. Repeat the layers once more, ending with a cheesy top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning, rice, black beans, corn, green chiles, and 1 cup of salsa to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining salsa and sprinkle the cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
3. Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the condensed soup and milk, mixing until well combined.
Spread the beef mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tater tots. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are crispy.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
These ground beef casseroles are more than just meals; they’re lifelines on busy nights. They prove that quick and easy doesn’t have to compromise on flavor or comfort. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, cheesy, or with a Tex-Mex twist, these recipes are sure to hit the spot and become regulars in your dinner rotation. So, the next time you’re staring down a hectic evening, remember that a satisfying dinner is just a casserole dish away.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious simplicity that these ground beef casseroles bring to your table!
