Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and simplicity to your dinner table. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With only five ingredients, you can create a delicious casserole that’s packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for families everywhere.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef: This provides the hearty, savory base of the casserole, offering protein and a rich flavor.
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and a subtle umami flavor, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup: Introduces a cheesy richness to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor and making it irresistibly creamy.
- 3 cups of frozen potato cubes: These add a starchy, comforting texture to the casserole, soaking up the flavors of the beef and soups as they cook.
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded: This is sprinkled on top, creating a golden, bubbly layer that adds an extra cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring the dish is well-seasoned.
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and develop a nice, golden top.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This helps the beef to cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the beef is evenly coated with the soups.
- Add the frozen potato cubes to the mixture and stir until the potatoes are evenly distributed throughout the beef and soup mixture.
- Season to Taste:
- Add salt and pepper to the mixture according to your taste. Be sure to taste the mixture before adding too much salt, as the soups and cheese can already contribute a significant amount of saltiness.
- Stir the mixture one final time to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the beef and potato mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden crust as the casserole bakes.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- If you like a slightly crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Scoop out portions of the casserole with a large spoon and serve it hot. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Casserole: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For example, you can add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef as it cooks for extra flavor and texture. You could also substitute the potato cubes with tater tots or hash browns for a different texture.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if the casserole is cold.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family dinners around the table, filled with laughter and love. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to please. Serve it up hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy, and savory flavors that make this recipe a true classic.
