Made dinner together tonight, and we both couldn’t stop eating it! My hubby took more than half of it! Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole is a beloved family recipe that brings together tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a creamy sauce for a delicious, one-dish meal.
Passed down from my great-grandma, this comforting casserole is filled with flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners and special gatherings. Simple yet satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to make any night of the week feel special.
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and filling, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food.
Simple Ingredients: With just five main ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare with minimal fuss.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: This classic dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
One 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds a creamy, earthy flavor.
One 10.5-ounce tin of condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup: Provides a cheesy, tangy element that melts beautifully into the dish.
3 cups of frozen potato cubes: Creates a hearty, filling texture.
1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a gooey, cheesy topping.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
Cheese Substitutes: Swap cheddar cheese with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.
Add Extra Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for added color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free condensed soups to make this dish gluten-free.
Creamier Option: Add 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture for extra creaminess.
Instructions: How to Make Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup to the cooked ground beef. Stir until well combined.
Add the Potatoes and Cheese: Stir in the frozen cubed potatoes, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal:
Crisp Green Salad: Serve with a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, steamed carrots, or sautéed green beans add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of pickled beets, onions, or cucumbers for a tangy contrast.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Creative Variations
Loaded Casserole: Top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded baked potato flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Herb and Garlic: Mix in minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to add an aromatic twist.
Mexican-Inspired: Add a can of diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder for a Tex-Mex version. Top with Monterey Jack cheese.
Final Note
Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, nostalgic dish that combines all the best flavors into a simple, satisfying one-dish meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making ahead, or just enjoying a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re passing down a beloved family tradition or trying it for the first time, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy a dish filled with warmth, love, and delicious flavors that will bring everyone back for seconds! Happy cooking!
Grandma's Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of cheddar cheese soup
- 3 cups frozen potato cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned; drain the excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar cheese soup, frozen potato cubes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the beef. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.