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Ground Beef and Veggie Casserole

Ground Beef and Veggie Casserole

A quick and hearty Ground Beef and Veggie Casserole combining savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and melted cheese, perfect for nutritious family dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat

  • 1 lb lean or medium ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the bell peppers, zucchini, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release its aroma during cooking.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft and onions translucent, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  5. Transfer and Top with Cheese: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top to cover completely for a golden crust.
  6. Bake and Serve: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake casserole for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra grease from browned beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
  • Sauté Veggies Thoroughly: Softening vegetables well enhances flavor and balances texture.
  • Season Wisely: Taste the filling before baking and adjust seasonings to avoid blandness.
  • Cheese Variety: Mixing different cheeses can add complexity and an exciting topping.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh oregano or parsley on top before serving for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, veggie casserole, family dinner, easy casserole, one pan meal, healthy casserole, gluten free casserole