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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then return to the skillet and add diced ham, stirring to combine evenly.
- 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.
- Fold frozen mixed vegetables and diced potatoes into the meat mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetable blend, gently stirring to coat all ingredients completely.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Crack eggs directly over the casserole, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the cheese layer to create a crispy golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- 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