Ground Beef Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

Ground Beef Casserole is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dining table. As I prepare this hearty meal, I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where this casserole was the star of the show. Originating from the need for a filling and economical meal, ground beef casseroles have become a staple in many households, especially in American cuisine. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy sauces creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that everyone loves.

What makes Ground Beef Casserole so appealing is not just its taste, but also its convenience. It’s a one-dish wonder that allows for easy preparation and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this dish never fails to satisfy. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Rice

1. If you haven’t already cooked your rice, now is the time to do so. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Follow the package instructions for cooking.
2. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. This will be mixed into the casserole later.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef mixture. Stir until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the beef and vegetable mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a creamy texture to the casserole.
4. Gently fold the sour cream and cheese mixture into the rice and beef mixture until well combined. This step adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.

Baking the Casserole

1. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. If you prefer a golden top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely!
3. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Serving the Casserole

1. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the casserole and serve it on plates. You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
2. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this dish!
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this ground beef casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love. With its layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out the cheese for something different, or even using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I encourage you to give this ground beef casserole a try and make it your own. Whether you serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even some roasted veggies, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! Print
   

   Ground Beef Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 55 minutes
   • Yield: 6 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Beef and Rice Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal featuring ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and spices, all combined with rice and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1 medium onion, chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
   • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
   • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
   • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
   • 1 teaspoon chili powder
   • 1 teaspoon cumin
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1/2 cup sour cream
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
   3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
   4. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
   5. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
   6. If you haven’t already cooked your rice, now is the time to do so. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Follow the package instructions for cooking.
   7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. This will be mixed into the casserole later.
   8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
   9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef mixture. Stir until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the beef and vegetable mixture.
   10. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a creamy texture to the casserole.
   11. Gently fold the sour cream and cheese mixture into the rice and beef mixture until well combined. This step adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
   12. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
   13. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
   14. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   15. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. If you prefer a golden top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely!
   16. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
   17. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the casserole and serve it on plates. You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
   18. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this dish!
   19. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
   • For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 40 minutes