Italian Beef Casserole
A hearty Italian Beef Casserole combining ground beef, mushrooms, broccoli, and cheesy goodness. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering rich flavors with a creamy, cheesy topping and savory beef, ideal for those who love satisfying, flavorful casseroles.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 1 (8 oz.) can mushroom pieces ⓘ
- 2 pkg. frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) light sour cream ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. minced dry onion ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) grated Cheddar cheese or Colby cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and mushroom pieces, then drain excess oil.
- Cook broccoli as directed on the package; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, mushrooms, broccoli, light sour cream, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and minced dry onion. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture in a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with half of both cheeses (Mozzarella and Cheddar or Colby).
- Add the remaining mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes if baking immediately.
- For future use, cover tightly with foil wrap before baking and freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or a splash of red wine to the meat mixture. You can substitute the broccoli with fresh spinach or bell peppers for a different vegetable profile. If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This dish is versatile, so feel free to incorporate your favorite Italian recipes into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Beef Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish for a heartier dinner. For a twist, consider serving it with a side of Fagioli for an authentic Italian experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Beef Casserole contains roughly 584 calories, with 35g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% 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 a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using a different meat, adjust the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked, as chicken may require longer.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes, after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
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).