Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s cooking with our 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole recipe. This simple yet delicious dish requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to recreate this timeless comfort food, along with cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those looking to enjoy a lighter option.
Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients to make Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef
- One 10.5-ounce tin condensed cream of mushroom soup
- One 10.5-ounce tin condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 3 cups frozen potato cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to whip up a comforting batch of Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix Soups and Beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup. Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the frozen potato cubes evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the soup and beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out to cover them completely.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Again: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Ground Beef Casserole:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Use Different Cheeses: Mix things up by using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss, to change the flavor profile of the casserole.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Replace Potatoes: Substitute the frozen potato cubes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative. Simply steam or microwave the cauliflower until tender before layering it in the baking dish.
- Cream Soup Replacement: Instead of condensed cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soups, use a combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth to create a keto-friendly sauce.
Low-Carb Version:
- Potato Substitute: Swap the frozen potato cubes for diced turnips or radishes for a lower-carb option that still provides a similar texture.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for lower-fat cheeses or reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe to decrease the overall carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions about making Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey tends to cook faster than beef.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to step 4, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until needed. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once cooled, portion the leftovers into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Grandma’s 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. So channel your inner grandma and treat your loved ones to a taste of home with this hearty and satisfying recipe!
