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Easy Homemade Beef and Bean Casserole
Let me share this simple homemade casserole that's become my go-to comfort food recipe. It combines seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and plenty of melty cheese in one easy dish. I love how quickly it comes together on busy weeknights, and my family always gets excited when they smell it baking in the oven. This easy recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites too.
Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe
This simple homemade casserole is a winner because:
- Takes just minutes to prep perfect for busy nights
- The combination of beef beans and cheese is pure comfort
- You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your family
- Everything cooks in one dish for easy cleanup
Easy Ingredients for Homemade Casserole
- Ground Beef: Use lean beef in this easy recipe, draining any extra fat keeps it just right.
- Beans: Try pinto, black, or kidney beans whatever you like best.
- Salsa: Pick your favorite kind mild or spicy works great in this simple dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Regular or fire-roasted both make this homemade casserole delicious.
- Cheddar Cheese: Fresh grated makes the best melty topping.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start Your Skillet Magic
- Begin by heating your large skillet over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot. Add your ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Watch the color change from pink to brown, taking about 8-10 minutes. Once it's cooked through, carefully drain off that extra fat - this keeps our casserole from getting greasy later. Give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper while it's still hot.
- Create the Perfect Mixture
- Pull out your blender and add those tomatoes, pulsing until they're silky smooth. Now comes the fun part - in your large mixing bowl, combine your seasoned beef, those smooth tomatoes, your favorite salsa (mild or spicy, you choose!), and those hearty beans. Mix everything together until it's perfectly combined. The aroma at this point is absolutely amazing! Pour this gorgeous mixture into your baking dish, spreading it out nice and even.
- Layer Your Cheese
- Now's the time to add that beautiful layer of cheese - spread it evenly over the top, making sure to reach all the corners. We want every bite to have that perfect cheesy goodness when it comes out of the oven.
- Bake Until Bubbling
- Cover your dish carefully with foil and pop it into your preheated 400°F oven. Let it bake for about 25 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly. Here's the secret to that perfect top - remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Watch as your cheese turns golden brown and gets those beautiful crispy spots. Keep an eye on it during this final stage - we want golden, not burnt!
- Rest and Serve
- Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps everything set up perfectly and makes serving so much easier. Plus, it'll still be plenty hot enough to enjoy but won't burn anyone's mouth!
Simple Serving Ideas
This easy casserole tastes great with:
- Crispy tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream
- A side of fluffy rice
- Fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or lime
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Tips for Easy Success
- Drain That Beef: This simple step keeps your homemade casserole from getting greasy.
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Grate it yourself for the best melty texture.
- Season to Taste: Add some heat if you like it spicy.
An Easy Family Favorite
This simple homemade beef and bean casserole is perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it always hits the spot. Add your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own - this easy recipe is all about comfort food at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why puree the tomatoes?
Creates smoother sauce texture throughout casserole.
- → Can I use different beans?
Yes, any variety of beans works well in this recipe.
- → Why remove excess fat?
Prevents casserole from becoming too greasy.
- → Can I make ahead?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake before serving.
- → Why uncover at end?
Allows cheese to brown and sauce to thicken slightly.