Name: Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans); 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni); 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If hearty comfort food is what you crave, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe. Loaded with juicy ground beef, tender veggies, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. The balance of savory flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors make each bite irresistible—plus, it’s super easy to customize. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Makes a filling, balanced meal with protein, veggies, and cheese in every forkful.
Perfect for busy weeknights—prep ahead and just bake before serving.
Easy to adapt to your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
Family-friendly blend of classic comfort flavors—both kids and adults gobble it up!
Ideal for leftovers—the flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 (14.5 oz/400g) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions: Steps for a Perfect Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef and Saute Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, carrot, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Build the Casserole Base

Stir diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef-veggie mixture. Cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Remove from heat. Mix in cooked pasta, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes: Tips for a Delicious Casserole

For extra creaminess, add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or a splash of milk to the mixture. More casserole basics here.
You can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor—store-bought shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents.

Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Variations: Tweaks for Your Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

Low-Carb: Replace the pasta with roasted cauliflower florets.
Spicy Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and use pepper jack cheese with a pinch of chili powder.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and add extra beans (white beans or lentils) and spinach for protein and texture.

Required Equipment for Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Large skillet
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish
Pasta pot
Colander
Mixing spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions for Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, or warm single servings in the microwave.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad and a warm slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pairs beautifully with a glass of bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape. See more casserole hacks.
For bolder taste, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, and sharp cheddar.
Try adding a layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for extra crunch. Learn about cheese nutrition here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use different vegetables?: Yes, you can add or swap in veggies like zucchini, spinach, peas, or mushrooms to match your taste or whatever you have on hand.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your cheese and sour cream brands for possible gluten content.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole Recipe