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Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

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This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s easy to customize and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) or cooked rice (optional)
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dice all vegetables: carrots, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms if using. Mince onion and garlic. Measure cheeses, pasta or rice (if using), and other ingredients.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown until no pink remains (8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Push beef to one side; add onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes). Mix together.
  4. Add carrots, celery, mushrooms (if using), and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add frozen peas and corn last.
  5. Stir in drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes, then add heavy cream. Mixture should be saucy but not watery.
  6. If using pasta or rice, fold it into the beef and veggie mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Transfer mixture into a greased 2-3 quart casserole dish. Smooth top. Sprinkle evenly with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using). Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden. If cheese browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for last 10 minutes.
  9. Let casserole cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to help set and make slicing easier.

Notes

Customize with your favorite veggies or cheese blends. For a lighter version, use ground turkey. Make ahead by assembling up to the cheese layer and refrigerating. Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and coconut cream. If casserole is watery, sauté veggies longer. Broil cheese topping briefly for extra browning, but watch closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, vegetable casserole, weeknight meal, kid-friendly, oven-baked, meal prep

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cheesy-beef-and-vegetable-casserole-easy-family-dinner-recipe/