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Ground Beef Casserole Recipes

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

  • 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.