There's something incredibly comforting about a casserole, especially one made with ground beef. From family dinners to potlucks, these hearty dishes are versatile, easy to make, and even easier to love. Here, we dive into five delicious ground beef casserole recipes that are sure to become staples in your culinary repertoire.
1. Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless dish that layers rich, meaty ground beef with a creamy, buttery mashed potato topping. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are golden.
2. Taco Casserole
Taco lovers rejoice; this casserole brings the vibrant flavors of a taco into a convenient bake:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- Tortilla chips
- Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet; drain fat. Add taco seasoning, salsa, and cook until heated through.
- Layer in a casserole dish: chips, beef mixture, beans, corn, sour cream, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Italian Style Baked Ziti
This dish combines the comforting goodness of ziti with the savory flavor of ground beef:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Instructions:
- Brown beef with onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer.
- Cook ziti until al dente.
- Mix ziti with half the sauce, then layer in a baking dish with ricotta, top with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with cheeses.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Meatloaf Casserole
Reimagine the classic meatloaf as a casserole:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 cup ketchup
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- Instructions:
- Mix beef, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Press into a greased casserole dish; layer potatoes on top.
- Brush with ketchup and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender.
5. Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake
A satisfying dish that combines rice with ground beef in a cheesy, creamy concoction:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Instructions:
- Cook beef with onion and pepper. Drain fat.
- Stir in soup, milk, and cooked rice.
- Transfer to a dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
🍽️ Note: Always let casseroles rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
In these recipes, you’ll find the versatility and comfort that ground beef casseroles offer. Whether you’re aiming to feed a crowd, make a simple dinner, or just try something new, these dishes showcase the beloved ground beef in unique, delicious ways. From traditional flavors like Shepherd’s Pie to the more adventurous Taco Casserole, each recipe provides a comforting meal that’s bound to be loved by all ages.
What can I substitute for ground beef in these recipes?
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You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for ground beef to suit different dietary preferences or allergies.
How long can I store leftover casserole?
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Most casseroles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Can I prepare these casseroles in advance?
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Yes, you can assemble most of these casseroles ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
