There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty casserole, especially when it’s a chilly evening, and you’re in need of some soul-warming food. That’s exactly where my Ground Beef Casserole comes into play. It’s a savory, flavorful dish, packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a generous amount of cheese. The recipe has a rich history in my family, passed down through generations, and it’s become a staple at our dinner table. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors – the tenderness of the beef, the crunch of the veggies, and the creaminess of the cheese. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for the kids. Trust me, they won’t even notice once they get a taste of that cheesy, meaty goodness! So, if you’re on the hunt for a delicious, comforting meal that the whole family will love, give this Ground Beef Casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 c. bell pepper
- 1/2 c. celery
- 1 small tomato paste
- 1 small tomato sauce
- 1 small can mushrooms (stems and pieces)
- 1 small can creamed corn
- 1 small jar sliced olives
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. egg noodles
- 1 stick sharp cheese
Baking Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Cook pepper, celery and onion in a small amount of fat, then add to ground beef and cook about 20 minutes.
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- Combine noodles with meat mixture.
- Layer meat and noodle mixture with grated cheese and bake about 30 minutes at 350°.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
A Tale of Ground Beef and Casserole Chaos
Hey there, foodie friends! Grab your apron and brace yourselves for a culinary expedition into the wild world of ground beef and casserole. Now, you might be thinking, “casserole, really?” But trust me, this Ground Beef Casserole is a taste sensation that will knock your socks off!
The Ingredients: A Motley Crew of Flavors
Let’s start with the cast of characters in this gastronomic drama. Our headline act is 3 lb. of ground beef, flanked by a small onion and a single, solitary clove of garlic. Stirring things up, we have 1 c. of bell pepper and 1/2 c. of celery. Adding a little intrigue are our two tomato accomplices: one small can of tomato paste, and one small can of tomato sauce.
But wait, there’s more! Our ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a small can of mushrooms (stems and pieces, please), a small can of creamed corn, and a small jar of sliced olives. Rounding things out are 1 (8 oz.) pkg. of egg noodles and a stick of sharp cheese.
The Meet and Greet: Cooking the Beef
First things first, let’s brown that beef. This stage is like a meet-and-greet for your ingredients. Imagine the ground beef as a wallflower at a party, shyly inching towards the dance floor, before finally busting out some killer moves under the heat of your pan. Now, that’s a party!
The Veggie Party: Peppers, Celery, and Onions, Oh My!
Now, it’s time for our veggies to join the fun. Cook your pepper, celery, and onion in a smidge of fat. This is where the magic happens. The aroma will have you crying tears of joy, or maybe that’s just the onion. Either way, it’s a beautiful moment that ends with our veggies joining the ground beef for a 20-minute cooking session.
The Pasta Interlude: Egg Noodles in the Spotlight
While the meat and veggies are having their get-together, let’s not forget about the egg noodles. Cook them according to their package directions. Nothing tests your multitasking skills like keeping an eye on browning beef and boiling noodles. It’s like juggling flaming torches, but with less risk of singed eyebrows.
The Grand Finale: Baking the Casserole
Now, we reach the grand finale. With a flourish, combine the noodles with the meat mixture. Layer this concoction with grated cheese like you’re building the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Finally, bake the whole shebang for about 30 minutes at 350°. It’s like a sauna for your casserole.
The Aftermath: A Delicious Chaos
And there you have it, folks. A ground beef casserole that’s a symphony of flavors. It might seem like chaos in the kitchen, but when you take that first bite, I promise it’ll all be worth it. Even if you have to scrub the burnt cheese off your favorite casserole dish. Which you will. Trust me.
So, until our next culinary escapade, keep those aprons tied and those taste buds ready. Bon Appétit!
