Hearty Beef And Veggie Bake Recipe

Scrumptious Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake Recipe – Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy beef and veggie bake that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle perfectly with hearty vegetables in a creamy, cheese-laden dish.

Rich flavors burst through every single bite, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The melted cheese forms a golden, crispy top that adds irresistible crunch to this classic casserole.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

Home cooks will find this dish both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake

  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating delicious flavor.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole comfortably.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and transferring mixture.
  • Cheese grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake with Ease

  • Oven Warmth

Set your oven to a cozy 375F, creating the perfect toasty environment for your delicious meal.

  • Beef Preparation

Brown ground beef in a skillet, letting it sizzle and develop rich, deep flavors. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for an extra punch of taste.

  • Mixing Magic

Combine the seasoned beef with frozen vegetables, tender egg noodles, and creamy mushroom soup in a large bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients dance and mingle.

  • Casserole Creation

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly like a delicious blanket of comfort food.

  • Cheese Crown

Shower the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar, creating a golden, melty masterpiece that’ll make mouths water.

  • Baking Brilliance

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden landscape of deliciousness.

  • Serving Moment

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and making each serving a perfect, mouthwatering slice of home-cooked happiness.

Smart Tricks and Add-Ins for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
  • Experiment with fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach instead of frozen mixed vegetables to add more color and nutrition.
  • Try different cheese blends like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese mix to give the dish a unique flavor profile and exciting twist.
  • Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for a convenient meal prep strategy.
  • Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make the dish suitable for people with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious taste.

Serving Up That Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, adding freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy dish.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.
  • Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the baked casserole.
  • Create Family-Style Meal: Place the entire baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves, creating a cozy, communal dining experience that brings everyone together.

Make-Ahead Plans for Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Keep the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to sealed containers to lock in moisture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled casserole in freezer-safe packaging, removing as much air as possible. Store frozen meals for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious backup dinner option.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For individual servings, microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside the Cheesy Beef and Veggie Bake

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and substantial protein punch; choose lean cuts for healthier option and better texture.
  • Egg Noodles: Delivers comforting carbohydrate foundation; select wide, sturdy noodles that hold sauce well.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates silky, creamy base that connects ingredients; opt for low-sodium version for better flavor control.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Introduces nutritional variety and vibrant color; select blend with carrots, peas, and corn for balanced texture.
For Flavor Enhancement and Topping:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth without overwhelming other ingredients; choose fresh, fragrant version.
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that elevates entire dish's taste profile; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers golden, melty crown with tangy richness; select sharp variety for more pronounced cheese flavor.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps manage cooking temperature and prevent excessive browning.
Print
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Hearty Beef And Veggie Bake Recipe

Hearty Beef And Veggie Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade cheesy beef and veggie bake delivers comfort through layers of hearty ingredients and melted cheese. Families will savor this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a delectable casserole experience.
  2. Meat Dynamics: Brown ground beef in a skillet, fragmenting it into fine crumbles while infusing with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to elevate the meat’s inherent flavors.
  3. Mixing Masterpiece: Amalgamate the seasoned beef, frozen mixed vegetables, cooked egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl, ensuring every ingredient intertwines seamlessly into a cohesive mixture.
  4. Baking Setup: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease, then spread the combined mixture uniformly, creating an even landscape for optimal heat distribution.
  5. Cheese Finale: Lavishly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, crafting a molten, golden crown that promises a crispy, bubbling transformation.
  6. Oven Technique: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then unveil for a final 10-minute session, allowing the cheese to develop a tantalizing golden crust.
  7. Serving Refinement: Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes post-baking, enabling the layers to stabilize and facilitating elegant, well-defined servings.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for extra flavor depth and better melting qualities that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
  • Vegetable Versatility: Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies or use whatever you have in your refrigerator for a personalized touch.
  • Fat Reduction Tip: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a lighter, more appetizing final dish.
  • Foil Coverage Technique: Use aluminum foil for the first part of baking to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even, consistent heating throughout the casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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