Easy 5-ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful 5-ingredient ground beef casserole that combines simplicity and flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this no-fuss meal that promises maximum satisfaction.

Hearty and satisfying, the casserole delivers rich, savory notes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The recipe brings together pantry staples in a clever, delicious combination that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein and comfort, making it an instant family favorite.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hungry diners will find themselves reaching for another helping of this irresistible dish.

Why 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Works

Perfect for busy families needing a fast, satisfying dinner solution.

• This casserole stretches ground beef into a filling meal that won't break the bank. Frozen potatoes and simple soup ingredients keep costs low while delivering maximum flavor.
• Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, creamy texture and classic comfort food vibes. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients mean anyone can master this recipe with ease.
• One-dish cooking means fewer pots and pans to wash. The casserole comes together in a single skillet and baking dish, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for tired cooks.

What’s Inside the 5-Ingredient Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that serves as the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Cheddar Cheese Soup: These soups provide a rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Frozen Cubed Potatoes: A convenient and time-saving ingredient that adds substance and heartiness to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a delicious melty topping and adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures the casserole dish is well-greased and prevents sticking.
• Tin Foil: Helps control cooking and browning during the baking process.

Simple Steps for Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by setting the temperature to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and coat it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat.

Break up the ground beef as it cooks, letting it brown completely.

The meat should transform from pink to a rich brown color.

Once cooked, drain away the excess fat and transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of cheddar cheese soup

Stir everything until the ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and velvety mixture.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Layers

• Frozen cubed potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating a tempting golden layer.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Carefully remove the foil, allowing the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.

The casserole is ready when the top becomes a beautiful golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and serve hot, celebrating your delicious home-cooked meal.

Tips for Easy Beef Casserole Success

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.
• Thaw frozen potatoes slightly before mixing to help them cook more evenly and absorb surrounding flavors better.
• Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and keep the dish from becoming too dry or tough.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top after baking for a fresh burst of flavor and added visual appeal.

Best Way to Store Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label container with date for tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add extra cheese on top for renewed crispiness.

What to Serve with Beef Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or merlot cuts through the casserole's rich, creamy texture while complementing the hearty ground beef flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and add freshness to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Create a simple roasted vegetable medley like brussels sprouts or asparagus to introduce additional nutrients and provide a contrasting texture against the creamy casserole.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that enhances the beef's savory notes and provides a smooth, malty counterpoint to the cheesy dish.

Easy Variations of Beef Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace frozen potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace cream soups with cashew-based cream sauces to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free cream soups and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat portions throughout the week for quick, easy meals.

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, dice them into small cubes and par-boil them for about 5 minutes before adding to the mixture. This will ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

• What ground meat alternatives work best?

Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for beef. They’ll provide similar texture and work well with the creamy soup base. Just ensure you drain any excess fat after cooking.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef (90/10), low-fat cream soups, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add some frozen mixed vegetables to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the casserole.

5-ingredient Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty 5-ingredient ground beef casserole blends savory flavors into a comforting midweek meal. Cheese-topped layers promise rich satisfaction for hungry families craving simple, delicious home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 cups cubed frozen potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Soup Ingredients:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of condensed mushroom soup
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of cheddar cheese soup

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook ground beef until no longer pink, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease and transfer beef to a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar cheese soups into the beef. Stir until ingredients are completely integrated and evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate frozen cubed potatoes into the beef and soup mixture. Add half the shredded cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, using a spatula to create an even surface. Distribute remaining cheese across the top for a golden crust.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and promote even cooking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove foil using oven mitts, then continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving this hearty, comforting casserole.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini directly into the beef mixture for extra vitamins and fiber.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream soups and selecting reduced-fat cheese, making this casserole more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredient labels confirm gluten-free status, particularly checking soup and cheese packaging for potential wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg