beef and vegetable casserole
Enjoy a hearty and comforting beef and vegetable casserole that's easy to make, perfect for family dinners, and packed with flavor. Try it today!
Ingredients
Protein Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or diced stew beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed vegetables frozen or fresh – think peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or bell peppers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 tbsp tomato paste adds depth and richness
Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Liquid & Texture
- 1 cup beef broth adds flavor and keeps things juicy
- 1 ½ cups cooked pasta or cubed potatoes optional base to make it more filling
Optional Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Tips Before You Begin:
- If using frozen vegetables no need to thaw—just add.
- Want a creamier casserole? Add a couple of spoons of sour cream or cream of mushroom soup.
- Keep it gluten-free by skipping pasta and using rice or extra veggies instead.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a medium casserole dish and reserve.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Warmth 1 tbsp olive oil within a large frying pan over a medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until softened and fragrant, 3–4 minutes.
- Put the minced garlic into it and sauté for another minute.
Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook, browning and no longer pink, breaking it up while cooking—approximately 6–8 minutes.
- Season with thyme, paprika, pepper, and salt to create a good base flavor.
Add the Vegetables
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir to combine.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add beef broth and let all this simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors combine and the mixture slightly thickens.
Assemble the Casserole
- If using a starch (like pasta or potatoes), layer it evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish.
- Ladle the beef and vegetable mixture over the base and spread out.
Add Cheese (Optional but Delicious)
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if desired. It adds a gooey, golden finish that's hard to resist.
Bake It Up
- Bake, without cover, for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot along the edges and browned on top.
Let It Rest
- Once removed from the oven, let your casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving. It will set and serve better.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg