Farmhouse Comfort Casserole
Experience the warmth of family gatherings with this delightful Farmhouse Comfort Casserole, inspired by cherished memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. This hearty one-dish meal brings together the savory richness of ground beef, creamy soup, and a colorful medley of vegetables, all topped with fluffy instant mashed potatoes and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole is a budget-friendly recipe that showcases the love and ingenuity of farm-to-table cooking. Treat your family to a taste of nostalgia with every delicious bite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (Browned and drained)
Instant mashed potatoes
16 ounces (Prepared according to package instructions)
Mild shredded cheese
16 ounces (No preparation needed, ready to sprinkle)
Cream of mushroom soup
11.5 ounces (Added directly to the cooked beef)
Carrots
14 ounces (Using frozen or canned, drained)
Green beans
14 ounces (Using frozen or canned, drained)
Sweet corn
14 ounces (Using frozen or canned, drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large frying pan, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. While the beef is browning, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions in a separate pot.
3
If using frozen vegetables, cook them in a separate pot according to package instructions. For canned vegetables, simply open and drain them without cooking.
4
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the pan. Remove from heat and stir in the 11.5 ounces of cream of mushroom soup until thoroughly combined.
5
In a 13x9-inch baking pan, evenly spread the beef mixture as the first layer. Drain all liquids from the cooked vegetables and layer them on top of the beef mixture.
6
Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the vegetables smoothly, ensuring an even layer.
7
Sprinkle 16 ounces of mild shredded cheese generously on top of the mashed potatoes and season with black pepper to taste.
8
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy this comforting family dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much ground beef is needed for this casserole?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef, which should be browned and drained.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 13x9-inch baking pan is used to layer the casserole.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Farmhouse Comfort Casserole makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer is a mixture of browned ground beef and cream of mushroom soup.
Which type of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 11.5 ounces of cream of mushroom soup.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The casserole includes 14 ounces each of carrots, green beans, and sweet corn.
How should I prepare frozen vegetables for this dish?
If using frozen vegetables, cook them in a separate pot according to the package instructions before draining and layering.
Do canned vegetables need to be cooked beforehand?
No, for canned vegetables, you simply need to open and drain them without additional cooking.
What is used for the potato topping?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of instant mashed potatoes prepared according to package directions.
How much cheese should I sprinkle on top?
Use 16 ounces of mild shredded cheese for the top layer.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly recipe that utilizes simple, hearty ingredients.
What is the order of the layers?
The layers are: beef and soup mixture, followed by drained vegetables, then mashed potatoes, and finally shredded cheese.
Should I drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, once the beef is browned, you should drain any excess grease before adding the soup.
Can I add extra seasoning to the casserole?
The recipe suggests seasoning the cheese layer with black pepper to taste.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by cherished memories of the creator's grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen.
Is this dish suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.
How should the mashed potatoes be spread?
Spread the prepared mashed potatoes smoothly over the vegetables to ensure an even layer.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include casserole, one dish meal, comfort food, and farmhouse cooking.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen?
While the recipe specifies canned or frozen, fresh vegetables can be used if they are cooked and drained first.
What is the heat level for browning the beef?
The ground beef should be browned over medium heat.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
Is this recipe considered nostalgic?
Yes, it is categorized as a nostalgic family recipe.
What type of cheese is specifically mentioned?
The recipe specifically mentions using mild shredded cheese.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 7 main items.
Can I use a different soup if I don't like mushroom?
While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, cream of chicken or cream of celery are common substitutes in similar casseroles.
What is the final step before putting the dish in the oven?
The final step is sprinkling the shredded cheese over the potatoes and adding black pepper.
Is the beef mixed with the vegetables?
No, the beef is mixed with soup and layered at the bottom, while the vegetables form a separate layer on top.