Ground Beef Casserole with Cheddar and Onion 🍽️🧀

This hearty and comforting casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner at home! It combines ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions to create a satisfying dish that's sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Topping

• 1 cup crushed potato chips (optional, for crunch!)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

🍔 Ensuring the beef is well-browned adds depth of flavor to your casserole!

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they’re caramelized (about 10-12 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, caramelized onions, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and cooked noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🔔 If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking!

7. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the beef mixture for extra heat! 🌶️
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You might also want to incorporate some beans for protein!
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for variety, or use flavored cream soups like cheddar cheese soup for more cheesiness.
• Low-Carb: Swap out the noodles for sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

This Ground Beef Casserole with Cheddar and Onion is not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy a slice of comfort today! 🥘❤️