Easy Skillet Ground Beef Casserole

Skillet ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food: easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. This one-pan wonder combines savory ground beef with your favorite vegetables and a creamy, cheesy topping, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families. Forget fussy recipes and endless dishes; this recipe is all about convenience and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Ground Beef Casserole

This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:

• Minimal Clean-Up: Everything cooks in one skillet, significantly reducing the amount of washing up.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to table in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

The Ultimate Skillet Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

This recipe provides a basic framework, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to create your own signature dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for bulking up the casserole)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of salsa

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and corn. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add Broth and Rice/Pasta (Optional): Pour in the beef broth (or water). If using, add the cooked rice or pasta. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Add Cheese and Sour Cream (Optional): Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using) until smooth. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Melt Cheese: Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of salsa. Serve hot.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this skillet ground beef casserole is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version.

• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or peas.
• Beans: Incorporate black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
• Spices: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a Southwestern flavor.
• Cheese: Use a variety of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Sauce: For a creamier sauce, add a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Casserole

Here are a few tips to ensure your skillet ground beef casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the ground beef until it’s cooked through, but avoid overcooking it, which can make it tough.
• Drain Excess Grease: Drain off any excess grease after browning the ground beef to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the casserole before adding the cheese and sour cream, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Don’t Burn the Cheese: If using the broiler to melt the cheese, watch carefully to prevent it from burning.
• Let it Rest: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after melting the cheese to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

This skillet ground beef casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is a classic pairing with casseroles.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This skillet ground beef casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. Prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions, but do not add the cheese.

2. Let the casserole cool completely.

3. Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

5. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

6. Top with the shredded cheese and bake as directed in the recipe.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Reheat the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it through thoroughly.
• Can I make this casserole without rice or pasta? Absolutely! Simply omit the rice or pasta for a lower-carb version. You may want to add more vegetables to make up for the lost bulk.
• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
• What kind of cheese is best for this casserole? Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• How can I make this casserole healthier? To make this casserole healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add more vegetables, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Can I add a topping other than cheese? Yes, you can add other toppings, such as crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or potato chips.
• Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Top with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, to make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or rice. Also, check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
• How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery? To prevent the casserole from being too watery, drain off any excess grease after browning the ground beef. Also, simmer the casserole uncovered for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
• What can I add to give the casserole more flavor? To add more flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a bouillon cube to the casserole. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs.