Cheeseburger-Vegetable Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy cheese with savory flavors. Topped with melted sharp American cheese, it offers comfort food at its best. Perfect for family dinners, it blends classic ingredients into a satisfying, flavorful dish that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 6 ounces shredded sharp American cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen vegetables ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento ⓘ
- 4 servings instant mashed potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine and stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese and chopped pimento.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the cooked beef, frozen vegetables, and instant mashed potatoes.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you don't have margarine, butter works as a great alternative. Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enhance the nutritional profile. For a bit more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or some Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy goodness. For an extra kick, consider serving it with a dollop of spicy ketchup or your favorite hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheeseburger-Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 978 calories, with 17g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for this casserole?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and slightly cook them before adding to the casserole to ensure they are tender by the time it’s baked.
What can I use instead of sharp American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, cheddar or mozzarella can be great substitutes. Cheddar will add a sharper flavor, while mozzarella will provide a gooey texture. Mixing different cheeses can also create a delicious flavor profile.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables to make it hearty and satisfying, ensuring it remains a deliciously filling dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).