Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s been a constant in my life since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. This Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food, the kind that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out. It reminds me of my grandma’s cooking, simple but packed with so much love and flavor. If you’re anything like me and sometimes crave something like a creamy lasagna but *absolutely* don’t have the time (or energy!) for all those layers, this casserole is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s easier than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying. The best part? It only needs, you guessed it, five ingredients! Get ready to experience pure, unadulterated cheesy, beefy goodness.
What is a five-ingredient ground beef casserole recipe?
Think of this Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe as the ultimate weeknight dinner savior. It’s essentially a layered dish of seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce (that we cheat on in the best way possible!), and some kind of starch, typically pasta or potatoes, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. The magic is in the simplicity. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s the kind of food that makes everyone at the table smile, even after a long and stressful day. This isn’t gourmet cooking; it’s real life cooking, and that’s what makes it so special.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? Seriously, this Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a game-changer! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get the savory richness of the ground beef, balanced by the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the perfectly cooked starch. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
But the real reason I adore this recipe, and why I keep coming back to it time and time again, is its simplicity. We’re talking minimal ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling a million different things and the thought of spending hours in the kitchen makes you want to run screaming. Trust me, I’ve been there!
And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! Ground beef is generally pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. This is a meal that won’t break the bank, which is always a plus.
But what truly sets this casserole apart is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Swap out the pasta for potatoes, add some veggies for extra nutrients, or use a different type of cheese for a unique flavor twist. The possibilities are endless! It is similar to a hamburger helper but much better and tastier in my opinion. I even snuck in some finely chopped mushrooms once, and my kids didn’t even notice! What I love most about this is the sheer satisfaction of creating a delicious, satisfying meal with so little effort. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make amazing food.
How do I make a five-ingredient ground beef casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a five-ingredient ground beef casserole? Is it necessary to brown ground beef and drain off any excess grease? ) Then, you mix it with your chosen sauce and cooked starch. Dump it all into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. The beauty of this method is its forgiving nature. Don’t worry about being precise. Is it safe to throw everything together and let the oven do its magic? Is it so easy to cook a meal for the first time?
Ingredients Notes
For the Main Casserole:
Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but lean ground beef works too. Remember to drain off the excess grease!
Pasta or Potatoes: Elbow macaroni is classic, but rotini, penne, or even mashed potatoes are great options. Just make sure they’re cooked!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is our cheat ingredient for the creamy sauce. Can you substitute cream of chicken or celery if you prefer?
Shredded cheese: What’s your favorite Cheddar flavor?
Seasoning Salt: This adds an extra oomph!
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for easy cleanup, but a little butter or oil works just as well. How do I get this step out of the way?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. What is the best way to break up a meal with sand? Is it important to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink? How do I keep a casserole from getting too oily?
Step 3: Add Seasoning and soup
Once the ground beef is browned and drained, stir in the seasoning salt and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen! The soup creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta or Potatoes
Add the cooked pasta or potatoes to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, or the pasta/potatoes might get mushy. We want a nice, even distribution of ingredients.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the ground beef and pasta/potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
How do you spread the cheese evenly over the top of a casserole? The more, the merrier, in my opinion. It creates a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. I just can’t wait to dig into something! Who can resist cheesy goodness?
5. What to Serve It With
What do you serve it with?
What is a five-ingredient ground beef casserole recipe? What are some good serving suggestions, depending on the occasion?
What is a simple weeknight dinner? A side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad adds a touch of freshness and balances out the richness of the casserole. I also sometimes serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort points!
For a potluck or gathering:What are some good recipes for a casserole? Serve it with a variety of sides, like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Is this a crowd pleaser?
For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good comfort food? Don’t forget the fuzzy socks and a warm blanket!
I personally love serving this with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a little extra flavor and visual appeal. My family has a tradition of having this casserole after a long day of sledding in the winter. It warms us up from the inside out and brings back happy memories every time.
How do I make a five-ingredient ground beef casserole?
How do I make a five-ingredient ground beef casserole?
What are some of the best ways to make Ground Beef Casserole? What’s your expert advice?
Ground Beef:Don’t skip draining the grease! This is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. If you’re using lean ground beef, you might not need to drain as much, but it’s always a good idea.
PastaMake sure your pasta or potatoes are cooked al dente. Is it safe to eat them in the oven?
Cream of Mushroom Soup: What are someFor a richer flavor, try using cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic. What’s more, it adds a subtle depth that is absolutely delicious.
Cheese:How do you use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and melting? Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a unique flavor twist.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
I’ve also found that adding a layer of crispy fried onions on top before baking adds a wonderful crunchy texture and savory flavor. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning. One time, I accidentally used a whole bag of seasoning salt and the casserole was too salty! It was a lesson learned: measure carefully!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats well!
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. You might want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up.
One thing I’ve learned is that if you’re planning to freeze the casserole, it’s best to undercook it slightly before freezing. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked when you reheat it. Also, if freezing, add the shredded cheese after thawing for the best results. No one wants rubbery cheese.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly believe that the best recipes are the ones that bring people together, and this casserole does just that. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, a potluck gathering, or a cozy night in. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize to your own tastes and preferences. If you loved this, you may like my other casserole or ground beef recipes. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried and how your family enjoyed it. Happy cooking!
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Five-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean
- 1 cup salsa mild or medium
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups tortilla chips crushed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in salsa and black beans, and heat through.
- Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips along the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the beef mixture over the chips, and top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with the remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
