Casserole recipe are a versatile and comforting choice for any meal, and they hold a special place in many households. One such recipe, invented by my mom when my first child was born, has become a staple in our family. This casserole is flexible, allowing for variations in ingredients, and is perfect for making ahead and freezing. Here’s how you can create this delicious and hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 8 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 (15 ounce) can carrots, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Potatoes: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook until they are tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash the potatoes.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: While the potatoes are cooking, combine the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the beef is evenly browned and crumbly and the onion is tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix in the Veggies and Soups: Stir the drained carrots, green beans, and condensed soups into the beef mixture. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Toppings: Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are light golden brown on top, about 30 minutes.
Tips for Variation
- Soup Choices: Feel free to vary the soups according to your preference. Cream of chicken or celery soup can be great alternatives.
- Vegetable Options: You can use other vegetables like corn, peas, or broccoli.
- Freezing: Double the recipe and freeze one batch for later use. Remember to use only three cans of soup to avoid making the casserole too juicy.
Why This Casserole is a Family Favorite
This casserole recipe is cherished for its simplicity and the comfort it brings to the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare meals ahead of time. The combination of hearty potatoes, savory beef, and mixed vegetables, all brought together with creamy soups and topped with melted cheese, makes it irresistible.
Conclusion
Casserole recipes like this one are not only easy to prepare but also provide a warm, satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or make it your own with variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household too.
For more comforting casserole recipes, check out Casserole Recipes.
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