Warm, hearty, and layered with flavor, this ground beef casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With a comforting mix of beef, vegetables, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden topping, it’s a modern take on a classic comfort food staple.
1½ pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup corn kernels
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½ cup sour cream (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute.
Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix in peas and carrots, corn, and diced bell pepper. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
Slowly add milk while whisking. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Layer half the beef mixture in the casserole dish. Pour over half the sauce.
Repeat with remaining beef mixture and sauce.
Top with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
For extra crunch, drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs before baking.
Swap ground beef with turkey or beans for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Customize veggies based on what you have—zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all work well.
Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/ground-beef-casserole-recipes/