Classic Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – hearty, satisfying, and straightforward. This timeless dish blends savoury ground beef, tender green beans, creamy sauce, and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
A Brief History of Ground Beef Casserole
Mixing ground beef with vegetables and a creamy base in a single baking dish has long been a staple of American home cooking. Its popularity surged in the mid-20th century when families sought affordable, easy-to-make meals using pantry staples. Today ground beef casseroles offer the same convenience, versatility, and nostalgia a simple way to stretch ingredients while delivering satisfying flavour.
To prepare this dish you will need;
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 lbs of fresh or frozen green beans
- 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef breaking the meat into small
- pieces. Add onions and continue cooking until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to low and then add salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Stir well.
- Add cream cheese and then cook for about 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir until well
incorporated. - Add the green beans and mix well to combine
- Transfer to the casserole dish and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes until brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Classic Ground Beef Casserole
A comforting, hearty and satisfying combination of ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy and cheesy dish suitable for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 lbs green beans fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef breaking the meat into small pieces. Add onions and cook until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to low then add salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well.
- Add cream cheese then cook for about 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir until well incorporated.
- Add the green beans and mix well to combine
- Transfer to the casserole dish and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes until brown and bubbly
- Enjoy!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe
Nutrition
Calories: 587kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 31gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 408mgPotassium: 807mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2076IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 296mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter take on ground beef casserole, consider using lean ground beef, whole milk or half & half instead of heavy cream.
- Use frozen beans instead of fresh. To do this boil water and add the green beans to the hot water and leave for 1 minute then drain. Continue as per the recipe
- You can use fresh garlic instead of powder.
- Experiment with adding additional seasonings and flavourings to the ground beef mixture, such as Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika, to create a more dynamic flavour profile.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to add richness and depth to the casserole. Pepper jack or feta can bring new and exciting flavours to the dish.
Ground beef casserole holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of many, offering a comforting, easy and customizable option for family meals. This versatile dish continues to bring warmth and satisfaction to those who enjoy it. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this classic dish will surely become a new family favourite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it fresh until bubbly and golden.
2. Can I freeze Ground Beef Casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it in foil or store it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
3. What can I substitute for green beans?
You can swap in broccoli, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables for a fun twist. Each adds its own texture and flavor.
4. How do I make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?
Use cauliflower florets instead of green beans, and ensure your ketchup is sugar-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally keto-friendly.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan cheese for topping.
6. What side dishes go well with Ground Beef Casserole?
It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
