Are you tired of complicated recipes that take hours to prepare? Get ready to meet the ultimate weeknight dinner hero - Rose's Busy Day Casserole! This mouthwatering dish is the secret weapon for busy families looking for a quick, delicious meal that'll have everyone rushing to the dinner table. Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and a cheesy topping that'll make your taste buds dance, this casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe for those hectic evenings when time is short but hunger is high!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup to the beef and stir until the meat is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the beef mixture and stir to combine, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the uncooked egg noodles over the beef mixture, creating an even layer.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it's sealed tightly to trap moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning into 6 equal servings. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander and even pat the meat with paper towels for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to the beef mixture before baking.
- Not a fan of mixed vegetables? Customize the casserole with your favorite frozen veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil for most of the cooking time to keep the noodles moist and prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for those crucial 5-10 minutes after baking - this helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to get golden and slightly crispy.
- This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare an extra batch and freeze for up to 3 months for an even easier future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 276kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 58mg
