Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make meal that brings back fond memories of home-cooked goodness? Look no further than Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole! This simple yet delicious recipe requires just five basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With creamy soups, hearty ground beef, and cheesy potatoes, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- One 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- One 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 3 cups of frozen potato cubes
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup, and frozen potato cubes. Stir until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are evenly seasoned.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or mixed vegetables to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a unique flavor twist.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the dish with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole, simply substitute the condensed cream of mushroom soup and condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup with homemade keto-friendly alternatives. You can make a keto cream of mushroom soup using a combination of mushrooms, heavy cream, and chicken broth thickened with xanthan gum. Similarly, for the cream of cheddar cheese soup, use a combination of cheese, heavy cream, and low-carb thickener like almond flour or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen potato cubes?
- Yes, you can substitute frozen potato cubes with fresh potatoes. Simply peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes before adding them to the casserole. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze any leftover casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. You can also enjoy it on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Can I customize the seasoning in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor, or experiment with different spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a beloved classic that combines simplicity with delicious flavors, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a hearty and comforting meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this easy casserole recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of Grandma’s cooking right in your own kitchen!
