There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This easy creamed beef casserole is the ultimate go-to meal when you need something simple, filling, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this dish has you covered.
What makes this casserole so special is its creamy, cheesy texture combined with the hearty, savory flavors of beef and potatoes. With just a handful of pantry staples—ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, cream of broccoli soup, shredded potatoes, and cheese—you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you need something quick but still crave something homemade and satisfying.
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. If you don’t have canned ground beef, fresh browned beef works just as well. Not a fan of beef? You can use shredded chicken or even ground turkey. Plus, if you prefer to keep things homemade, you can replace the canned soups with a simple, from-scratch version that’s just as creamy and flavorful.
This dish is also meal-prep friendly. You can assemble it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or even bake it and reheat portions throughout the week. It’s a meal that makes life easier without sacrificing taste or quality.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and hearty casserole that’s packed with comforting flavors, this creamed beef casserole is about to become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
With just five main ingredients, this casserole comes together effortlessly while delivering big, comforting flavors. The combination of beef, creamy soups, and cheese ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying.
2. Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Friendly
This Creamed Beef Casserole is great for anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget. It uses affordable and common pantry staples, making it an excellent choice for meal planning. Plus, it’s perfect for using up canned or frozen ingredients, helping you reduce waste while still enjoying a home-cooked meal.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
If you like to plan your meals ahead, this casserole is a lifesaver. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or store leftovers in the fridge for easy reheating. It tastes just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks.
4. Family-Friendly Comfort Food
This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy, creamy texture combined with the savory beef and potatoes makes it appealing to picky eaters while still being hearty enough for a satisfying dinner.
5. Completely Customizable
Don’t have ground beef? Swap it for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even venison. Want to add more veggies? Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas. Prefer a homemade touch? Make your own cream soups from scratch. This recipe is flexible enough to fit whatever you have on hand.
Health Benefits
1. Protein-Packed for Sustained Energy
Ground beef is a great source of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish an excellent option for an energy-boosting meal.
2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
The addition of cream of broccoli soup brings in extra vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, such as Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can mix in additional vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas for an extra nutritional boost.
3. A Balanced Meal in One Dish
This casserole combines protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, creating a well-rounded meal. The shredded potatoes provide complex carbs for sustained energy, while the cheese adds a good dose of calcium and healthy fats.
4. Customizable for Dietary Needs
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can swap out the shredded potatoes for cauliflower rice or diced zucchini. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use a gluten-free cream soup or prepare a homemade alternative.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
Ingredients List
- 1 pint canned ground beef or 1 lb fresh ground beef (browned)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade alternative)
- 1 can cream of broccoli soup (or homemade alternative)
- 1 pint dehydrated, shredded potatoes (rehydrated)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your casserole is assembled. - Prepare the Ground Beef
- If using fresh ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- If using canned ground beef or venison, simply drain the liquid and set it aside.
- Hydrate the Shredded Potatoes
- If using dehydrated shredded potatoes, soak them in warm water for at least one hour to rehydrate. Drain and squeeze out any excess liquid before using.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, cream of broccoli soup, rehydrated shredded potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Cheese on Top
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.
How to Serve
- Serve as-is for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
- Vegetables: Roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
- Breads: Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Beverages: A cold glass of lemonade or a warm herbal tea.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the beef: Excess grease can make the casserole too oily.
- Skipping the rehydration step: Dry potatoes won’t blend well into the casserole.
- Overbaking: This can dry out the dish.
Pro Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.
- If using fresh potatoes, shred them and parboil before adding.
Creative Ways to Customize This Casserole
One of the best things about this creamed beef casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your kitchen. For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you love extra texture, mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added depth. Want a different protein? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version. For a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt instead of cream soup and opt for low-fat cheese. You can also play around with the toppings—try crispy fried onions, breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for a crunchy finish. No matter how you customize it, this dish remains delicious, comforting, and satisfying.
How to Make This Casserole a One-Pan Meal
If you love easy clean-up, you’ll be happy to know that this casserole can be made with just one pan from start to finish. To do this, use an oven-safe skillet. Start by browning the ground beef directly in the skillet, then stir in the cream soups, seasonings, and rehydrated potatoes. Once everything is well mixed, sprinkle the cheese on top and transfer the skillet straight into the oven. No extra mixing bowls or baking dishes required! This method not only reduces clean-up time but also allows the flavors to develop even more as everything cooks together in one pan. It’s an excellent option for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and effortless.
Turning Leftovers into a New Meal
Leftover casserole? Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to repurpose it into a whole new dish! You can scoop portions into tortillas to make cheesy beef burritos or breakfast wraps. If you love crispy textures, press the leftovers into a pan and cook until golden brown to create crispy casserole patties—perfect for a quick lunch. Another option is to layer it between slices of bread with extra cheese and grill it for a delicious savory melt sandwich. You can even use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or mix it with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. Leftovers don’t have to be boring—with a little creativity, you can enjoy this casserole in completely new ways!
How to Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker
Want to make this Creamed Beef Casserole even easier? Let your slow cooker do all the work! Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Stir in the cream soups, seasonings, and shredded potatoes until everything is well combined. Set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover again until melted. This method results in a dish that’s extra creamy and flavorful, as the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s a great hands-off option for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works great!
- Can I make this dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy soup alternative.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This creamed beef casserole is a simple, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Try it today and let us know how it turns out!
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Easy Creamed Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty beef casserole made with just five simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or canned)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of broccoli soup
- 1 pint dehydrated shredded potatoes (rehydrated)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix beef, soups, rehydrated potatoes, and seasonings.
- Spread mixture in a greased 11×7-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or venison.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free or homemade soup for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American