Hearty Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty ground beef country casserole brings rustic comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Savory layers of meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce create a delightful harmony that feels like a warm embrace.

Midwestern kitchens have perfected this classic dish that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore how quickly everything comes together in one baking dish.

Tender beef mingles with soft potatoes and rich cheese, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Crispy edges and melted toppings make this casserole irresistible for anyone seeking a filling meal.

You’ll want to dig in and experience pure culinary comfort.

What Makes Ground Beef Country Casserole Great

• Boost Family Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal packed with familiar ingredients that brings everyone together around the dinner table with delicious warmth.
• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: Simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients make this casserole a stress-free solution for busy home cooks seeking quick, satisfying meals.
• Layer with Flavor Complexity: Combine ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce for a multidimensional taste experience that transforms basic ingredients into an irresistible dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust cheese types, or add extra seasonings to personalize this adaptable recipe according to your family's preferences and pantry supplies.

What You’ll Need For Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides substantial protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Green Bell Peppers: These vegetables add depth of flavor and provide a crisp, fresh texture to the dish.
• Potatoes: A filling ingredient that adds heartiness and helps create a satisfying, complete meal.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A rich, creamy base that brings together all the ingredients with a smooth texture.
• Milk: Helps to thin the sauce and create a more cohesive mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty topping that adds richness and a golden color.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and crunch.
• Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs achieve a golden-brown color and provides a light flavor.

How To Cook Ground Beef Country Casserole

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbly pieces while cooking until no pink remains.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped green bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Incorporate Potatoes

Mix diced potatoes into the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly and ensure thorough cooking.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream

Blend all ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the entire mixture.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the skillet. Stir to distribute seasonings uniformly throughout the casserole base.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Transfer and Layer Casserole

Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread in an even layer across the entire surface.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole surface.

Step 9: Create Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a golden, crispy layer. Distribute evenly over the cheese.

Step 10: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges as signs of doneness.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Remove casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Tips That Help With Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Choose Lean Beef: Opt for ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap Veggies Creatively: Replace green bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for different nutritional profiles and exciting taste variations.
• Prep Potatoes Perfectly: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overly mushy.
• Control Cheese Coverage: Grate cheese freshly for better melting and more even distribution across the casserole's surface.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining a crispy topping.

New Ways To Try Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add a lighter texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bake: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and add cumin and chili powder for a zesty flavor profile.

What Goes Well With Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, hearty beef casserole with its full-bodied flavor and slight tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, fresh contrast by preparing a mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Tangy Pickles: Add dill or bread-and-butter pickles on the side to introduce a zesty, acidic element that balances the dish's creamy and meaty characteristics.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an additional textural dimension to the meal.

How To Save Ground Beef Country Casserole For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Popular Questions On Ground Beef Country Casserole

• Why use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds rich, tangy flavor and helps create a creamy, smooth texture to the casserole, making the dish more luxurious and moist.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as leaner alternatives while maintaining similar taste and texture of the original recipe.

• How do breadcrumbs contribute to the dish?

Breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping that adds delightful crunch and textural contrast to the creamy casserole underneath.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people.

Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Country Casserole brings comfort straight from rustic kitchen traditions, blending savory meat, creamy textures, and classic ingredients. Home cooks can savor this nostalgic dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families with its rich, homestyle goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers

Pantry/Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Add diced onions and green bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, about 4 minutes.
4. Incorporate diced potatoes into the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and ensure even cooking.
5. Pour cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy sauce that coats all ingredients.
6. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings uniformly.
7. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface.
9. Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a golden, crispy topping, then evenly distribute over the cheese layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Enhance vegetable variety by adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Reduce dairy content by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and unsweetened plant-based milk for a lighter version.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crispy topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg