Name: Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil

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A hearty, comforting dish, this Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole is my go-to when I want something filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a busy week, this casserole always delivers. Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole combines rich, cheesy goodness with wholesome ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to make but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The beef adds a hearty base, the vegetables bring in texture and nutrition, and the cheese ties it all together with gooey, comforting flavor. Plus, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and makes great leftovers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Carrots, diced
Green beans, chopped
Corn kernels
Potatoes, peeled and diced
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive oil

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil and cook the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
I add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Once the beef is browned, I stir in the carrots, green beans, corn, and potatoes, letting them soften slightly.
I pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together.
I transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving—it’s hot and cheesy straight from the oven.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves 6–8 people generously. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cook time, so I have dinner ready in about an hour.

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick. Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. I’ve even added zucchini or mushrooms when I have them on hand. If I want a creamier texture, I stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—I wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. I just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I bake it as directed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I freeze it after assembling but before baking. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

I use whatever I have on hand—zucchini, peas, bell peppers, or even spinach work great in this casserole.

How do I make this casserole creamier?

I like to stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the beef mixture before baking.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free—most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free already.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole is the kind of meal that never fails to satisfy. It’s cozy, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers for the week, this casserole is always a winner in my kitchen.