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Easy Budget-Friendly Loaded Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Families

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A quick, hearty, and budget-friendly casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, veggies, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt as substitute)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (1 1/2 cups mixed in, 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Push beef to the side of the skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3 minutes until heated through.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add the cooked beef and vegetable mixture plus the drained pasta to the bowl. Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
  8. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If casserole looks dry before baking, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Use gluten-free pasta and soup for gluten-free version. Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Season in layers for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, budget-friendly, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, cheesy casserole, quick recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-budget-friendly-loaded-ground-beef-casserole-recipe-for-families/