Print

Easy Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Perfect Family Meals

easy hearty ground beef casserole - featured image

A simple, satisfying casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups diced potatoes, parboiled (about 450g; Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cube)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  2. Parboil the diced potatoes in boiling water for about 8 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, parboiled potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and beef broth. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Optionally, scatter breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and meld flavors.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them. Fresh garlic and smoked paprika are key for flavor. Rest casserole before serving to improve texture. If cheese isn’t browning well, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, easy casserole, family meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, hearty dinner