Zippy Beef Casserole: A Quick and Kid-Friendly One-Dish Delight
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal thatโs sure to please both kids and adults alike, this Zippy Beef Casserole is the answer. With its savory combination of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a crispy layer of potato chips on top, itโs a comforting dish that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, this casserole is a great addition to your recipe repertoire. Letโs dive into how you can make this scrumptious dish from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 cups crushed potato chips (for topping)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) to get it ready for baking. -
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Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook and stir the ground beef over medium heat until itโs fully browned. Make sure to break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to ensure your casserole isnโt greasy. -
Prepare the Elbow Macaroni:
While the beef is cooking, prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. -
Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large, ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, combine the browned ground beef, cooked elbow macaroni, milk, ketchup, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, and salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through. -
Add the Crunchy Topping:
After 40 minutes, remove the cover from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the crushed potato chips evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step gives the casserole a delightful crunch and a golden-brown finish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and warm biscuits. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this easy-to-make meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 275
- Fat: 14.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5.9 grams
- Cholesterol: 49.2 milligrams
- Sodium: 852.9 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 20.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Sugar: 5.6 grams
- Protein: 16 grams
Tips for Success:
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or onions to suit your familyโs tastes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, and then bake as directed when youโre ready to serve.
- Freezing: For a convenient meal prep option, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, and bake directly from frozen, adding a little extra baking time if needed.
This Zippy Beef Casserole is a versatile, family-friendly dish that offers both comfort and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, itโs sure to be a hit on your dinner table. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the satisfaction of a meal that comes together quickly and easily!
