Description: A comforting and satisfying Ground Beef Casserole, perfect for a family dinner. This recipe combines savory ground beef with hearty beans, corn, and rice, all topped with a bubbly, cheesy crust. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart into smaller pieces. Cook the ground beef until it is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.
Step 4: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (do not drain), drained and rinsed kidney beans, corn kernels, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Transfer the ground beef mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
Step 7: Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the ground beef casserole. This creates a delicious, golden-brown crust.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Ground Beef Casserole is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting family meal.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences. Add different vegetables, beans, or spices to create your own unique version.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a cost-effective meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and cheesy topping make this casserole a hit with kids. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the baked casserole for a later date. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with the rich casserole.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of freshness and color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, salsa, or hot sauce, so everyone can customize their serving.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the casserole.
- If you don’t have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
- To prevent the breadcrumbs from burning, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Get creative with your cheese selection! Try using a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheese.
- Add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about Ground Beef Casserole:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Absolutely! Ground Beef Casserole freezes very well. To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- What kind of rice should I use?
- You can use any type of cooked rice in this casserole. White rice, brown rice, wild rice, or even leftover rice will work perfectly. Just make sure the rice is cooked before adding it to the beef mixture.
- Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
- Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the beef mixture. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and carrots are all great additions. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding the ground beef.
- Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
- Yes, there are several ways to make this casserole healthier. Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach or kale, for added nutrients. Use low-sodium diced tomatoes and reduce the amount of salt added to the beef mixture. Finally, top the casserole with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
