Name: Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate comfort dish that brings everyone rushing to the table, this Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping, it hits all the right notes for family dinners, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

Hearty and Satisfying: A balanced meal packed with protein, veggies, and gooey cheese.
One-Dish Wonder: Easy to prep, bake, and clean up – perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love its rich, cheesy layers and tender texture.
Customize Effortlessly: Swap in your favorite veggies or cheese for endless variations.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups cooked short pasta (like penne or macaroni)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)

How to Make Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef & Vegetables

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add carrots and broccoli; continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and veggies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in frozen peas and cooked pasta until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes & Handy Cooking Tips for Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk when mixing the base.
You can use lean ground beef or even substitute with ground turkey if you prefer a lighter version—learn about choosing healthy ground beef.
For best results, don’t overcook the veggies before baking—let them keep a bit of crunch for texture.