Ground Beef Casserole

Whether for family or a crowd, this ground beef casserole will become a family tradition. A single casserole recipe makes a substantial ground beef meal for at least 12.

So if you have a potluck coming up, this would be ideal. You can also make half the recipe easily enough, but don't be surprised if everyone is asking for more.

This recipe came from a family member's Mom, so you know it will be good!

Mom's Ground Beef Casserole

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound processed American cheese, such as Velveeta, cubed
2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.50 ounces) condensed chicken and rice soup
1/2 cup milk, whole or skim
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350F

In a large kettle or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the bell pepper and chopped onion. When the beef has browned and the vegetables are soft, drain the fat from the pan. Season the beef and vegetables with the salt and pepper.

Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup with the chicken and rice soup. Add the milk, and then stir in the corn kernels and the cheese cubes. Add this mixture to the beef and vegetables. Carefully stir in the cooked egg noodles until all the ingredients are well combined.

This casserole can be baked in one large baking dish, or separated into 2 smaller ones. Spray the dish of your choice with cooking spray, then bake, covered with foil, for about 45 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Serves 12

Good To Know - You could have a head start on next week's menu if you split the casserole into 2 baking dishes and freeze one of them. Let it thaw out in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it for about 10 extra minutes to make sure it is heated all the way through.

Food For Thought - You can easily add a little spice to this casserole by adding a few dashes of Tabasco, a pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes.

Whether it's for a quite family dinner at home or a potluck dinner at an event you just can't beat a great tasting Ground Beef Casserole.