Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole

After a long week, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a comforting, home-cooked meal wafting through the house. Our family recently discovered the absolute joy of the Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole, and it’s quickly become a weeknight staple. Even my pickiest eaters, who usually turn their noses up at anything green, devoured this dish with enthusiasm. The combination of savory beef, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to throw together, making it a winner in my book. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, which is always a bonus for busy families like ours. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dinner that’s packed with flavor and comfort, look no further – this Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole is it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef: The heart of our casserole, providing a rich, savory base. Opt for lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat.
• 1 medium Onion: Diced (about 1 cup), it adds a foundational aromatic flavor that enhances the overall depth of the casserole.
• 2-3 cloves Garlic: Minced (about 1 tablespoon), for a pungent and savory kick that perfectly complements the beef and vegetables.
• 3 cups Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, these add a healthy dose of greens and a satisfyingly tender texture.
• 1 cup Carrots: Diced (about 1-2 medium carrots), they bring sweetness and vibrant color, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
• 1 cup Bell Pepper: Diced (any color, about 1 medium pepper), for a slightly sweet and crisp element that adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy, umami-rich sauce that binds the casserole together and adds moisture.
• 1/2 cup Milk: Thins out the soup slightly to create the perfect sauce consistency.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor and excellent melting properties, creating that signature cheesy topping (you might use 1 cup mixed in and 1 cup on top).
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic, warm, and savory Italian touch to the casserole.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Essential seasonings to bring the dish to life.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and beef, providing a healthy fat and preventing sticking.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Properly browning the beef is crucial for flavor development.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Then, add the diced carrots and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. Sautéing the vegetables first helps to bring out their sweetness and ensures they are cooked through in the casserole.
4. Combine Soup, Milk, and Seasonings: In the skillet with the beef and vegetables, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix well to combine everything into a smooth sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and adjust seasonings to your preference. Taste the sauce and adjust as needed.
5. Incorporate Broccoli and Cheese: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to combine them evenly throughout the sauce mixture. Reserve about ½ cup to ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese for topping later. Stir the remaining shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture in the skillet. Melting some cheese directly into the casserole adds extra creaminess and flavor throughout the dish.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the entire mixture from the skillet into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. A generous cheese topping is what makes this casserole so irresistible.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
8. Let Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Resting also helps to distribute the heat more evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
Servings Per Recipe: 8

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 10-12g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole is a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. The active cooking time is minimal, with most of the time spent baking in the oven. The prep time mainly involves chopping vegetables and browning the beef, which can be streamlined with good knife skills or by using pre-chopped vegetables. It’s a great recipe for when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This versatile Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with some complementary side dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the casserole. The crispness of the salad balances the creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. Garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Italian seasonings in the casserole.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Add another serving of vegetables with steamed green beans or asparagus. These provide a fresh, vibrant green element and a different texture.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice: For an even heartier meal, serve the casserole over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. This is especially comforting on a cold evening.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is a classic side for casseroles, offering a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that complements the savory flavors.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or beets can be a delicious and colorful addition.

Additional Tips for the Best Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole

1. Customize Your Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to swap out or add other vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, peas, corn, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a convenient option.
2. Spice it Up: For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while sautéing the vegetables or use a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) instead of plain diced tomatoes if you were to add them. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
3. Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious. For a sharper flavor, try using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
4. Make it Creamier: If you prefer an even creamier casserole, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some or all of the milk. You could also add a block of cream cheese, cut into cubes, to the skillet along with the soup and milk, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
5. Add a Breadcrumb Topping: For extra texture and crunch, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs (panko or regular), melted butter, and Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking. This adds a lovely golden-brown crust.
6. Make it Ahead of Time: This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
7. Freezer-Friendly: Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (covered with foil for the first half of the baking time, then uncovered) for a longer period, until heated through and bubbly.
8. Elevate the Beef Flavor: For a richer beef flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground sausage, or use a higher fat content ground beef. You can also add a tablespoon of beef bouillon or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture for added depth of flavor. Browning the beef well is also key for a deeper flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in this casserole?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient and budget-friendly option. You can use frozen broccoli florets, carrots, bell peppers, or a mix of frozen vegetables. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the skillet and cook as directed.

Q2: I don’t have cream of mushroom soup. What else can I use?
A: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even cream of cheddar cheese soup. For a mushroom flavor, you could also use a can of condensed mushroom broth or make a simple white sauce (béchamel) and add sautéed mushrooms to it.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without beef?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or just veggie-heavy. You can omit the beef entirely for a vegetarian version. To make it heartier without beef, consider adding cooked lentils, crumbled veggie burgers, or more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant.

Q4: How do I reheat leftover casserole?
A: Leftover Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole reheats wonderfully. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until warmed. Add a splash of milk or water if it seems dry when reheating.

Q5: Can I add pasta or potatoes to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can definitely add pasta or potatoes to make it even more substantial. Cook pasta (like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini) or diced potatoes until al dente, and then add them to the skillet along with the vegetables and sauce. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid (milk) if you add pasta or potatoes, as they will absorb some of the sauce.

Q6: How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cheesy Veggie & Beef Casserole will last for 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool down completely before refrigerating it.

Q7: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, this recipe is easily doubled or even tripled to feed a larger group. If doubling, use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13 inch dish if you were using an 8×8 inch, or a very large roasting pan if tripling). Baking time may need to be slightly increased for larger batches.

Q8: What can I serve with this casserole for a complete meal?
A: As mentioned in the “How to Serve” section, this casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, steamed green beans or asparagus, mashed potatoes or rice, and cornbread. Choose a few sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal for your family or guests.

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