Delightful 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Imagine this: you walk into your kitchen after a long day, and the air is filled with the savory aroma of a bubbling casserole. The kind that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into your grandmother’s cozy abode, where every dish tells a story. honey butter cornbread poppers This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is exactly that—simple yet bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Navajo cornbread recipe It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe recipe.

Now, let’s be real. We all love recipes that don’t require an entire grocery store visit or hours of prep time. This casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without sacrificing your sanity in the kitchen. With just five ingredients, you’ll whip up this delightful dish in no time—perfect for feeding the family or impressing unexpected guests!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful casserole is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
  • Its rich flavors and textures keep everyone coming back for seconds
  • With vibrant colors and an irresistible aroma, it’s visually appealing on any dinner table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand!

I vividly remember the first time I made this casserole; my friends were gathered for game night, and I was determined to impress them with my culinary skills. Let’s just say the clean plates at the end of the night spoke louder than words!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option; it browns beautifully and adds depth to the casserole.

  • Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes with herbs; they enhance flavor and create a nice sauce base. sun dried tomato focaccia sandwich.

  • Pasta: Any small pasta works well here; I prefer elbow macaroni because it soaks up all that tasty goodness.

  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly on top, adding creaminess and flavor that everyone loves.

  • Onion: A chopped yellow onion gives a sweet base flavor; sauté until translucent for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather Your Ingredients: First things first, gather all your ingredients on the counter. You’ll feel like a chef ready to take on any culinary challenge.

Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with chopped onions until they’re golden and aromatic. This step creates such a delightful scent in your kitchen.

Add Canned Tomatoes: Once your beef is perfectly browned and those onions are looking fabulous, add in the canned tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Incorporate Pasta: Next, mix in your uncooked pasta along with about two cups of water or broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil and watch as magic begins to happen.

Add Cheese and Bake: After about 10 minutes of simmering (or until pasta is al dente), sprinkle generous amounts of shredded cheese over the top. Transfer your skillet to an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Serve Warm and Enjoy!: Take out your masterpiece once it’s golden brown and bubbling over with cheesy goodness. Let it cool slightly before serving—you don’t want anyone burning their tongue while reaching for seconds!

And there you have it! A warm bowl of 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole that brings smiles all around the dining table! For more inspiration, check out this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole recipe.

You Must Know

  • This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is an effortless crowd-pleaser
  • It’s hearty, comforting, and serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity
  • You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then layer your ingredients in a baking dish. This sequence saves time and ensures even cooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best texture, drain excess fat from the beef before layering
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged to enhance flavor
  • Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking; this helps set and makes serving easier

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and we all savored every bite together.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other meats besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken also works well for this casserole. cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole.

What sides pair well with this casserole?

A fresh salad or garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully.

How do I freeze leftover casserole?

Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months.

Print
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5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With just five simple ingredients, this nostalgic dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Picture yourself savoring every warm, cheesy bite of a bubbling casserole that brings families together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until golden.
  3. Stir in the canned tomatoes and mix well.
  4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and 2 cups of water or broth; bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  6. Top with shredded cheese and transfer skillet to the oven; bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.