Of course! “Cheesy Ground Beef” is a simple, versatile, and comforting base for so many meals. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up quickly and turn into a dozen different dishes.
Here are a few classic ways to make it, from a simple skillet meal to specific casserole bases.
- The Basic Skillet: Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice
This is the easiest, most straightforward method—a complete meal in one pan.
Ingredients:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 small onion, chopped
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or Cream of Chicken/Celery)
· 1 cup beef broth or water
· 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and uncooked rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat to melt. Serve immediately.
- Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta (Hamburger Helper Style)
A homemade version of the classic boxed meal, but so much better.
Ingredients:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 small onion, diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work well)
· 2 cups beef broth
· 1 cup milk
· 1 tablespoon tomato paste
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon dried oregano
· 2 cups shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain grease.
- Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Let it stand for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
A hearty, family-friendly casserole that’s pure comfort food.
Ingredients:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or onion soup mix
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
· 1 cup sour cream
· 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots), thawed
· 1 bag (28-32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef; drain grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and a ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Stir in the cooked beef and thawed vegetables.
- Spread this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the hot Tots and bake for another 2-3 minutes to melt. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef:
· Spice it Up: Add a can of diced green chiles, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
· Add Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra nutrition and flavor.
· Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for spice, Monterey Jack for meltability, or a bit of Velveeta for an ultra-creamy sauce.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the beef, make sure your skillet is large enough so the beef browns instead of steams.
· Drain the Grease: This is a crucial step! Draining the excess fat after browning prevents a greasy final dish.
The beauty of cheesy ground beef is its versatility. Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers, a topping for baked potatoes, or inside tortillas for quesadillas! Enjoy