Absolutely! Here’s a comforting Ground Beef Casserole recipe that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to make. I’ll give a version with layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Potato/Pasta Layer:
Option 1 – Mashed Potatoes:
- 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 2–3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
Option 2 – Pasta:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, macaroni, or rotini)
- Cooked according to package instructions
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
2. Prepare the Potato or Pasta Layer
- Mashed Potatoes: Mash boiled potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Pasta: Cook pasta and drain.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased baking dish, layer as follows:
- If using mashed potatoes: beef mixture on the bottom, then mashed potatoes on top.
- If using pasta: pasta on the bottom, beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Optional: Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
4. Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For extra golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Serve
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
✅ Tips:
- You can sneak in veggies like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms into the beef layer.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you want, I can give a super creamy, one-pot version of this casserole that’s quicker and doesn’t require separate layers.
Do you want me to do that?
