Description
Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with layers of hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese. Families will savor each forkful of this satisfying casserole that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) garlic powder
Dairy and Pantry Items:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), creating an ideal environment for baking this comforting casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Eliminate excess fat and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to intensify the meat’s flavor profile.
- Combine the seasoned ground beef in a spacious mixing bowl with frozen mixed vegetables, cooked egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup. Gently fold the ingredients until they are uniformly distributed and the noodles are completely enveloped in the creamy sauce.
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33-centimeter) baking dish and spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring a consistent layer for balanced cooking.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a tantalizing golden blanket that will melt into a crispy, bubbling crust.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, slightly crisp topping.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and making it easier to serve neat, appetizing portions.
Notes
- Elevate this hearty meal by choosing high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content for richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, which can make the casserole soggy and less appetizing.
- Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of vegetables, noodles, and meat for a balanced bite every time.
- Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to add more depth and tanginess compared to mild varieties, enhancing overall dish complexity.
- Customize the recipe by swapping frozen vegetables with seasonal fresh produce or adding extra herbs like thyme or parsley for brightness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg