This comforting ground beef casserole is a hearty and easy-to-make dish that combines rich beef, creamy soups, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, bringing together simple ingredients for a flavorful and filling bake. The casserole’s cheesy, potato-filled goodness will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Family Favorite: A classic casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one dish for minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground beef: 1 to 1.5 pounds – Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 tin (10.5 ounces) – Adds a creamy, earthy flavor.
- Condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup: 1 tin (10.5 ounces) – Gives the dish a cheesy, tangy element that melts beautifully into the mixture.
- Frozen potato cubes: 3 cups – Creates a hearty, filling texture.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup – Adds a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions:
- Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- Cheese Substitutes: Swap cheddar cheese with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, peas, or corn to give the dish added color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free condensed soups to make this dish gluten-free.
- Creamier Option: If you want an even creamier dish, add 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture.
Instructions: How to Make Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spatula to crumble it. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. Transfer the cooked beef to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Add one 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of mushroom soup and one 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup to the bowl with the ground beef. Stir until the soups are well combined with the beef, creating a rich and creamy mixture.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Cheese
To the beef and soup mixture, stir in 3 cups of frozen cubed potatoes and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the potatoes and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and potato mixture to the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that the mixture fills the entire dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, which will create a delicious cheesy crust as the casserole bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully develop and makes it easier to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty ground beef casserole pairs well with a variety of sides to complete your meal:
- Crisp Green Salad: A mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, steamed carrots, or sautéed green beans make for great, fresh sides.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce and enhance the comfort food vibes.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of pickled beets, onions, or cucumbers for a tangy bite that cuts through the creaminess.
Storage Options:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown.
Final Thoughts:
Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort food. Whether you make it for a family dinner, potluck, or a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. With its easy preparation and rich flavor, it’s bound to win over anyone who takes a bite!