Hearty Easy Beefy Casserole

Imagine a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make. A hearty easy beefy casserole is perfect for family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and feeds many, making it great for family meals. Its simple ingredients and hearty taste bring everyone together.

Ground beef is a key ingredient in many casseroles, including the easy beefy casserole. There are 33 different casserole recipes using ground beef. From Cornbread Cowboy Casserole to Sloppy Joe Casserole, each offers a unique twist. These dishes are quick to make, with baking times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• You can make a delicious easy beefy casserole with simple ingredients.
• This hearty recipe is perfect for family gatherings and serves 8 people.
• The total time to prepare the hearty easy beefy casserole is 1 hour 5 minutes.
• Casseroles can be served as both main dishes and side dishes, appealing to various meal occasions.
• Ground beef is a primary ingredient in 100% of the casserole recipes listed, emphasizing its importance in hearty meals.
• The average serving size calories range from 270 to 718 calories, indicating a significant variation in nutritional content across different recipes.
• 60% of the recipes are categorized as “comfort food,” highlighting the popularity of casseroles as a comforting family meal.

What Makes This Easy Beefy Casserole Special

This easy beefy casserole recipe is a family favorite. It’s a healthy meal option that can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. With a total recipe time of just under 1 hour and 20 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

The casserole is made with ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. The best part is that it’s easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for families on-the-go.

Some of the key benefits of this easy beefy casserole recipe include:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Customizable to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs
• A healthy meal option that’s low in calories and fat
• Can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Overall, this easy beefy casserole recipe is a great option for families. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to make. With its customizable ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s a great addition to any meal rotation.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To make a tasty casserole, you need the right tools and equipment. A 9×13 casserole dish is key for a big, family meal. You’ll also need a large skillet for cooking the ground beef and veggies. A set of utensils, like a spatula, spoon, and whisk, will help you cook better and faster.

You might also want a measuring cup and spoons for measuring ingredients right. A casserole recipe needs many ingredients. So, having a full pantry is crucial. You’ll likely need ground beef, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese.

Here are some must-have kitchen tools and equipment to start:

• Casserole dish (9×13)
• Large skillet
• Utensils (spatula, spoon, whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons

With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a casserole your family will enjoy. Choose quality tools and equipment to make cooking easier and more fun.

Ingredients for Your Casserole

To make a tasty casserole, you’ll need some key casserole ingredients. First, get 1 pound of lean ground beef. Then, grab 8 ounces of pasta, like penne, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. These are the basics of your dish.

Choose ground beef with about 20% fat for this recipe. This makes your casserole both flavorful and juicy. You’ll also need tomato soup and shredded mozzarella cheese, along with the ground beef and pasta.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces of pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 ounces tomato soup
• 8 to 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Looking for more recipe ideas? Check outbaked beans with ground beef. With these casserole ingredients, including ground beef and pasta, you’ll make a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Preparation Tips Before You Start

To make sure your casserole is perfect, follow some important tips. First, preheat your oven to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Also, grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

When cooking, stick to the recipe closely. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes and bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes. It should be browned and bubbly. These steps will help you make a tasty casserole everyone will enjoy.

Here are some extra tips to remember:

• Choose top-quality ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and shredded cheese.
• Follow the cooking time and temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors mix well.

By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious casserole that will be a hit. This ground beef casserole recipe has over 800 positive reviews. It’s been a family favorite for 13 years. With these tips, it can become a staple in your home too.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To start cooking your casserole, boil the pasta for a minute less than the package says. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. While the pasta cooks, heat oil, onion, and beef in a skillet. Cook until the beef is browned.

Remember, a good casserole recipe needs clear cooking instructions. This makes sure your dish turns out tasty and fulfilling. Pay attention to the pasta type, sauce amount, and cheese.

• Prepare the meat by browning it in a skillet with some oil and onion.
• Add the vegetables, such as bell peppers and tomatoes, to the skillet and cook until they are tender.
• Combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and sauce in a large bowl, following the cooking instructions carefully.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheese and other desired toppings.

By following these steps and using a reliable casserole recipe, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

When making a casserole, it’s key to avoid common errors that can ruin the dish. One big mistake is overcooking the pasta, making it mushy. To fix this, cook the pasta al dente and then set it aside to mix with other ingredients.

Another important casserole tip is to brown the meat well. This adds flavor and texture. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. After browning, drain the fat and add the salsa, mixing well.

To make sure your casserole is perfect, follow these casserole tips:

• Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Brown the meat properly to add flavor and texture.
• Use the right amount of salsa to avoid a soggy casserole.

By avoiding these cooking mistakes, you can make a tasty casserole your family will enjoy. Always use fresh ingredients and don’t overcook. With these casserole tips, you’ll make a dish that’s sure to impress.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Exploring different flavors in a casserole recipe is exciting. You can mix and match ingredients to create your own unique taste. For example, swapping mozzarella for sharp cheddar or adding sautéed onions can enhance the flavor.

This casserole recipe is very flexible. You can change it to fit your dietary needs and likes. If you don’t like onions, you can skip them or use another veggie. It’s all about having fun and being creative.

Here are some ideas for changing up your casserole:

• Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms
• Use different cheeses like parmesan or feta
• Include fresh herbs like basil or oregano

Remember, the key is to have fun and try new things. With a bit of creativity, you can make a casserole that’s truly yours.

By experimenting with different flavors, you can make a casserole that’s just right for you. So, don’t be shy to try new things. You might just find a flavor combination you love.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

There are many ways to serve your Hearty Easy Beefy Casserole. You can pair it with grilled chicken or a beef roast for a complete meal. These pairings make your meal more interesting and satisfying.

Some great serving suggestions include herbed accordion dinner rolls or a Greek-style rice dish. You could also serve it with a fresh pineapple and yogurt. These choices add different flavors and textures to your meal.

For a lighter option, try serving the casserole with a colorful veggie salad or asparagus with butter and lemon. Here are more serving suggestions:

• Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli
• A side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Grilled or sautéed mushrooms

Choosing the right pairings is key to a great meal. Try out different options to find your favorite. Enjoy your Hearty Easy Beefy Casserole with confidence.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storing and reheating your casserole recipe right is key. It keeps the dish fresh and flavorful. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 days or freeze it for 3 months. If freezing, thaw it in the fridge overnight before heating.

Reheating is simple. Just preheat your oven to 350˚F and bake for 30 minutes. This makes it hot and bubbly. Adding a bit of milk helps prevent it from drying out. For more tips, check out casserole recipes.

Here are some extra tips for storing and reheating:

• Use airtight containers to keep moisture and flavors out.
• Label and date containers so you know how long they’ve been stored.
• Ensure the casserole is hot and steaming before serving.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your casserole longer. Always check for spoilage before eating. If it smells bad or feels slimy, throw it away.

For a tasty casserole, use a storage container made for freezing and reheating. It keeps your casserole fresh and ready to eat. With these tips, your casserole will be a favorite in your home.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options

Casseroles are great for meal prep. They can be made ahead, stored in the fridge or freezer, and then reheated. This is perfect for when you’re short on time during the week. Just remember to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if you make them ahead.

Some casseroles, like the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, bake in just 20 minutes. The prep work, like making meat sauce, can be done ahead of time. Using pre-cooked items, like a rotisserie chicken, also saves time.

You can make individual portions in two baking dishes or eight ramekins. This lets everyone have their own size. Frozen shredded potatoes or hash browns add a crispy texture and are easy to use. Most casseroles can be put together in 30 minutes and then baked for another 30, making meal prep efficient.

Benefits of make-ahead and meal prep casseroles include:

• Less food waste by using leftovers
• Easy to assemble and quick
• Custom sizes for everyone
• Time-saving

Using make-ahead and meal prep for casseroles means you can enjoy a tasty, homemade meal with little effort. It’s great for busy families or anyone who wants to eat well without spending hours cooking.

Conclusion

This easy beefy casserole is a true culinary delight that brings families together. It has savory layers of ground beef, creamy sour cream, and melted Colby Jack cheese. It’s a dish that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. The secret to the casserole’s success lies in the thoughtful balance of ingredients.

From the 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef to the 30 ounces of diced tomatoes with chilies, every component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor profile. And with the addition of 12 ounces of egg noodles as the base, you’re left with a hearty and satisfying dish that can easily serve a family of 4-6 people.

So why not embrace the casserole recipe and let it become a new family favorite? With the ability to refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months, you can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious, home-cooked meal at your fingertips whenever the craving strikes. Gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and savor the comforting warmth of this easy beefy casserole – it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your household.