Spicy Ground Beef Casserole
A flavorful spicy ground beef casserole featuring cheesy shells, seasoned beef, vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 box Kraft Velveeta shells and cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cans corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the Kraft Velveeta shells and cheese according to package instructions; set aside.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer the cooked ground beef, drained corn, drained green beans, and drained diced tomatoes.
- Add the tomato sauce over the layered vegetables.
- Sprinkle chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, and pepper evenly over the layers.
- Add Worcestershire sauce on top.
- Spread the cooked shells and cheese over the layers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you prefer a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce. For a creamier texture, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before layering. This dish is a great way to use leftover veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy ground beef casserole with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or avocado on top. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of cornpone pie, which complements the flavors beautifully. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Ground Beef Casserole contains roughly 612 calories, with 19g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (254% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 698mg per serving (30% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it in a preheated oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Velveeta shells and cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use any brand of macaroni and cheese or even homemade mac and cheese. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente before layering it in the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. Ensure to season your vegetables well to maintain flavor. This vegetarian approach will also work well with the other ingredients, keeping the casserole hearty and satisfying.
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).