Ever wondered how to transform simple ingredients into a comforting meal that your entire family will devour? The secret might be hiding in your casserole dish! A well-crafted casserole combines convenience with incredible flavor, making weeknight dinners both manageable and memorable.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole recipe that has consistently earned rave reviews at my dinner table. This hearty dish balances protein-rich beef, nutritious vegetables, and gooey cheese in a perfect harmony that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients List
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef (90% lean recommended for less fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans – fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For a healthier version, consider substituting ground turkey for beef, sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, or using reduced-fat cheese. Vegetarians can replace the meat with 2 cups of cooked lentils or a meat substitute while maintaining the rich, savory profile.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole comes together in just over an hour, which is approximately 30% faster than traditional casseroles that require pre-cooking multiple components separately. The efficient one-pan approach minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor development.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Gather and measure all ingredients before beginning to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If using lean beef, you may not need to drain excess fat. If using regular ground beef, drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the diced potatoes, bell pepper, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften while absorbing the meaty flavors.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. Add the dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 720mg
- Calcium: 320mg
- Iron: 3.2mg
- Vitamin A: 2500IU
- Vitamin C: 35mg
This recipe provides approximately 35% of your daily protein needs and 25% of recommended calcium intake, making it a nutritionally balanced meal option when paired with a simple side salad.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version of this comforting beef vegetable casserole, consider these modifications:
1. Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken breast for reduced saturated fat while maintaining protein content.
2. Use cauliflower florets in place of half the potatoes to lower the carbohydrate content and increase fiber.
3. Opt for reduced-fat cheese or reduce the cheese quantity by 25% while adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
4. Increase the vegetable content by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for additional nutrients and fiber with minimal calorie impact.
5. Use Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk instead of some of the cheese in the filling for a protein boost with less fat.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this casserole into a complete meal with these complementary sides and presentation ideas:
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for additional vegetable servings.
• For a special touch, offer warm, crusty whole-grain bread for dipping into the savory sauce.
• Consider individual ramekins for portion control and an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• For a complete comfort food experience, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the potatoes: Test them before removing the casserole from the oven. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Grate your own for the creamiest results.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes helps it set and makes serving neater.
- Overcrowding the pan: If your skillet is too small for all ingredients, work in batches or use a Dutch oven to ensure even cooking.
- Under-seasoning: Taste before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. The flavors will meld during baking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This casserole is excellent for meal prep and leftovers. Store properly to maintain quality and safety:
Refrigeration: Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as the ingredients meld together.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Conclusion
This hearty Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Casserole brings together protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors in one satisfying dish. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs while maintaining its core appeal.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, modifications, or questions in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this casserole, be sure to check out my collection of one-dish meals perfect for busy weeknights. Happy cooking!
