Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Craving a comforting and easy meal that’s pure creamy, cheesy goodness? Look no further than this 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole! This dish has become a staple in my weeknight rotation for its simplicity yet incredible flavor profile. From its bubbly cheesy corners to the crispy bits that everyone fights over, this casserole never disappoints.

Perfect for late soccer nights or chilly evenings, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With just a handful of ingredients, including ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar cheese soup, frozen cubed potatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese, this recipe is a breeze to throw together. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or a side of crunchy toppings for that extra oomph.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and delicious meal or a food lover seeking ultimate comfort, this 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is sure to become a cherished recipe in your household. So, gather your loved ones, sprinkle on that final layer of cheese, and let the magic of this classic American casserole bring joy to your dinner table!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy comfort meal for busy weeknights
• Creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite
• Can be customized with different soup flavors and added vegetables for variety
• Stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and freezes for longer storage

Why You’ll Love This Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Easy and Quick: Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Indulge in the comforting flavors of cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soup, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults alike, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding extra ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or peas to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-ahead: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze individual portions for longer storage and simply thaw overnight before reheating for a quick meal anytime.
• Classic Comfort Food: Reminiscent of traditional American casseroles, this dish brings nostalgic flavors that are both simple and satisfying.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side salad, steamed veggies, or top with crispy onions for added texture and a balanced meal.
• Kitchen Therapy: Enjoy the process of mixing and baking this casserole, turning it into a comforting ritual for your family.

Ingredients for Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Main Components

• 300 g condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
• 120 g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 360 g frozen cubed potatoes
• 900 g to 1 kg ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 300 g condensed cream of mushroom soup

Pro Tips for Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

To make this 5-ingredient ground beef casserole even heartier, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition. These vegetables can be mixed in with the other ingredients before baking.

For a fresher taste, homemade creamy mushroom or cheddar soup can be substituted for the canned varieties. Making your own soup will enhance the flavors of the casserole and give it a more homemade touch.

When reheating leftovers, ensure the casserole is covered tightly with foil or stored in airtight containers to keep it fresh. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave.

How to Make Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2: Cook Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Place the cooked beef in a large mixing bowl. Add condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup, frozen cubed potatoes, 60 g of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Fill Baking Dish

Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, then spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 5: Top and Cover

Evenly distribute the remaining 60 g of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Initial Bake

Cook in the oven that has been preheated for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Remove foil and bake uncovered for 30 more minutes or until casserole is heated through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Storage Tips

After preparing the 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole, it is recommended to let it cool completely before storing. Cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining its flavor and texture. When ready to enjoy leftovers, the chilled casserole slices cleanly and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

For longer storage options, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole. Wrap them first in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. Thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its quality. Whether storing in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring the casserole is properly sealed will help maintain its delicious taste and creamy texture for future meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen cubed ones, dice them into small cubes and partially parboil them before adding to the casserole. This extra step will help ensure they cook through during baking and maintain a good texture.

For a lighter alternative, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this casserole. It provides a similar texture and can make the dish less heavy while still maintaining great flavor.

If you don’t have condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can double the amount of cream of mushroom soup and add extra shredded cheddar cheese for a similar cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can experiment with using cream of chicken or condensed celery soup for a different taste profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving this 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole, try topping each slice with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives. The creamy tang of the sour cream complements the cheesy goodness of the casserole while the chives add a pop of freshness. This simple addition elevates the dish and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

To create a fun and interactive serving experience, consider setting up a DIY casserole bar for your family or guests. Arrange bowls of toppings such as crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and jalapeños. Let everyone customize their slice of casserole with their favorite toppings, creating a personalized flavor profile. This interactive approach not only adds a festive element to your meal but also allows everyone to tailor their dish to their taste preferences.

FAQs for Easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Can I substitute fresh potatoes for frozen cubed potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes. Dice them into small cubes and partially parboil before adding, to ensure they cook through during baking.

What type of ground beef should I use for this casserole?

Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for a balance of flavor and manageable fat content. Drain excess grease after browning.

Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Diced onions, bell peppers, or peas can be mixed in with the other ingredients for more flavor and nutrition.

How should I store leftovers of this casserole?

Let the casserole cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy this delightful 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole, savor each cheesy, creamy bite and know that you’ve created a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its simplicity, but in the joy it brings to your loved ones’ faces as they eagerly dig in. So whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, let this casserole become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing warmth and happiness to your table.

Remember, cooking is all about making memories and nourishing both body and soul. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of this 5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole, and feel free to customize it to suit your family’s tastes. From its golden, bubbly corners to its hearty layers of flavor, this casserole truly captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. So gather your loved ones, whip up this simple yet scrumptious dish, and create new traditions that will be cherished for years to come.