Quick & Tasty Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe

Hearty ground beef country casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with a wholesome blend of classic ingredients.

Midwestern roots shine through in this rustic dish that connects generations of home cooks.

Layers of savory meat, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal everyone will devour.

Home kitchens come alive with the rich aroma of this traditional favorite.

Simple pantry staples combine into something magical that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheesy, golden-topped goodness awaits you at the end of this culinary journey.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible comfort food that promises to become your new family classic.

Why Ground Beef Country Casserole Is A Weeknight Hero

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on your family's taste preferences, making this dish adaptable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
• Quick and Hearty Meal: Pack multiple food groups into one satisfying dish, delivering protein, vegetables, and rich flavors in a single comforting casserole.
• Family Dinner Champion: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together, offering a delicious one-pan solution for busy weeknight dinners.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Use a single skillet and baking dish to prepare this recipe, reducing kitchen mess and saving valuable time after cooking.

What You’ll Need For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein foundation for the casserole.
• Diced Ham: Adds extra savory flavor and additional protein to enhance the meat mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole, helping to bind the ingredients together.

• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Offer a convenient and nutritious blend of colorful vegetables to add texture and nutrients.
• Diced Potatoes: Create a substantial base and add heartiness to the casserole.
• Diced Onions: Provide a aromatic and flavorful base for the meat mixture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: Combine to create a rich and creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and provide a smooth consistency.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy layer and creates a golden, melted topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy and crunchy exterior to the casserole.

• Thyme, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole with aromatic and savory notes.

How To Make Ground Beef Country Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Add ground beef and onions, cooking until meat is fully done and onions turn soft and translucent. This process typically takes about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Mixture

Drain excess fat from the skillet. Return meat to pan and mix in diced ham, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Flour
• Thyme
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Diced potatoes

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Pour And Spread

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread out in a uniform layer.

Step 6: Add Topping

Crack eggs directly over the casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface. Distribute breadcrumbs evenly to create a crispy golden topping.

Step 7: Bake The Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges become bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and cool slightly before serving.

Top Tips For Ground Beef Country Casserole Success

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole texture.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for added nutrition and vibrant flavor.
• Egg Placement Matters: Crack eggs gently and spread them evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Cheese Coating Technique: Shred cheese freshly for better melting and a smoother, more integrated topping.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes to help ingredients set and make cutting easier.

New Twists For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Lean Protein Power: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat protein option.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap meat with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac needs.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheese to create an allergen-friendly casserole.

Pairing Ideas For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Elevate Savory Flavor Companions: Crisp Green Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette
• Toss a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon-dijon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the hearty casserole, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, meaty dish.
• Pair with Robust Red Wine Complement
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel, which offers enough structure to stand up to the bold flavors of ground beef and ham while complementing the creamy texture of the casserole.

Storage Help For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Why do I need to drain the fat from the ground beef?

Draining excess fat helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more appetizing final dish.

• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges, which indicate the dish is heated through and ready to serve.

• Is it necessary to let the casserole rest after baking?

Yes, letting it rest for 10 minutes helps the ingredients set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef country casserole brings comfort straight from rural kitchens, blending rich meaty flavors with classic ingredients. Warm, satisfying layers promise a delicious meal that connects you with home-style cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables:

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup diced potatoes

Pantry & Dairy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat until meat is completely cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then return to the skillet and add diced ham, stirring to combine evenly.
4. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, flour, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Fold frozen mixed vegetables and diced potatoes into the meat mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
6. Pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetable blend, gently stirring to coat all ingredients completely.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
8. Crack eggs directly over the casserole, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
9. Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the cheese layer to create a crispy golden topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free adaptation that maintains creamy texture.
• Experiment with different protein sources such as ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate various dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Enhance vegetable variety by adding seasonal or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg