Easy, Hearty & Ready in 30 Minutes
When you need a quick family dinner that’s filling, comforting, and on the table fast, this Ground Beef Casserole delivers every time. Made with seasoned beef, pantry vegetables, and a cheesy cornbread topping, it bakes up golden, bubbly, and irresistibly satisfying.
This is the kind of recipe that saves busy weeknights. It’s affordable, customizable, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have—no complicated steps, no extra dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Dinner – Faster than takeout
- One-Dish Meal – Protein, veggies, and carbs in one pan
- Family-Friendly – Comfort food everyone enjoys
- Budget-Conscious – Uses pantry staples
- Highly Customizable – Easy to adapt to what you have
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
(or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles) - 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
(or cream of chicken or tomato soup) - 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cornbread Topping
- 1 cup cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and garlic and cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease.
3. Make the Filling
Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, condensed soup, and all seasonings. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until heated through. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping
In a bowl, mix cornbread mix, egg, milk, and shredded cheese until just combined. Gently spread the batter over the beef mixture.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop and enjoy hot.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly
- Don’t overmix the cornbread batter—light mixing keeps it fluffy
- Rest before serving so layers hold together
Easy Variations
- Cheese Lover’s: Add pepper jack or mozzarella
- Spicy Version: Mix in jalapeños or hot sauce
- Loaded Style: Add bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and soup
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, comforting, and dependable. With its savory filling and cheesy cornbread topping, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your rotation.
