Hearty Homestyle Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a comforting dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and love, this Hearty Homestyle Casserole is your answer. It's a delightful mix of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy goodness all topped with a layer of melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle Casserole

Ground beef is the heart of this casserole, providing a rich, savory base. Diced onions and sliced carrots add sweetness and texture, balancing the dish. Diced potatoes make it hearty and filling, while green peas contribute color and a touch of sweetness. The condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a gooey, cheesy finish. Finally, salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly, while olive oil helps cook the beef evenly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a richer flavor, you can swap half of the ground beef with ground pork.
  • Dice the potatoes into small cubes for quicker cooking and even texture.
  • If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a bit of zest, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well, providing a creamy melt.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole as directed, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Swap the ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.

Hearty Homestyle Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it's ready to bake our casserole to bubbly perfection. While the oven heats, grab a large skillet and add the olive oil, bringing it to medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook until it's nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onions and sliced carrots. Let them cook together until the vegetables have softened and their flavors meld with the beef. This should take a few minutes.

Next, add the diced potatoes and green peas to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well. In a separate bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth, then pour it over the meat and vegetables. Stir it all together, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the casserole completely. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven to bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors settle beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or for delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup diced onions
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup green peas
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in onions and carrots, cooking until vegetables are softened.
5. Add potatoes and green peas, stirring to combine.
6. In a bowl, mix the condensed soup with milk, then pour over the meat and vegetable mixture.
7. Season with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Top with shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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