Beef and Veggie Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Dinners

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the rich flavors of tender beef and vibrant vegetables, a beef and veggie casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your appetite. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients with easy-to-follow steps, resulting in a savory casserole that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, casseroles are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef nestled alongside colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and green beans, all baked together in a flavorful sauce. This dish not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also offers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Plus, casseroles are fantastic for making ahead and reheating, making busy weeknights a breeze.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a classic beef and veggie casserole recipe, share tips to customize it, and offer serving suggestions to make your dinner experience even better. Ready to dive into this comforting dish?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and veggie casserole recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one baking dish and common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

The combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that is both filling and nutritious.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or add different herbs and spices to suit your palate.

It’s also a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, casseroles reheat well, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Finally, this dish offers comfort food appeal without being overly heavy. The savory sauce ties everything together beautifully, and the baked cheese topping adds a delightful golden crust that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken sauce)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts
• Grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready to bake the casserole to perfection.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce later.
5. Add the sliced carrots, green beans, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
6. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your baking dish. Spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This step is optional but adds a lovely golden crust and extra flavor.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a veggie-packed twist, consider adding zucchini, peas, or corn to the mix. If you want to lighten this dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile. You can also add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil after baking for a burst of freshness.

If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of your favorite chilli powder to the seasoning mix.

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. To make this meal vegetarian, check out some fantastic vegetable-forward recipes in A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and veggie casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or steamed rice for a more filling meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side also complements the rich flavors perfectly.

For a balanced plate, add a serving of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you want to keep things low-carb, cauliflower rice is a great alternative to traditional grains.

Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making this casserole a convenient option for packed lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Conclusion

This beef and veggie casserole recipe is a delicious way to bring a wholesome, comforting meal to your table with minimal effort. Its combination of tender beef, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings offers a perfect balance of flavors and nutrients.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this casserole is sure to become a regular favorite.

Remember, the beauty of casseroles lies in their flexibility—you can easily customize this dish to suit your dietary needs or ingredient availability. If you’re keen to explore more vegetarian or vegan casserole ideas, be sure to check out other inspiring recipes such as those found in Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking!

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