This ground beef and vegetable casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of the Midwest with a touch of colorful flair. Casseroles have long been a staple in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest, where they are cherished for their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something filling and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and bell peppers creates a saucy, chunky, and hearty meal that is sure to satisfy.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls is also a great choice, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
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5-Ingredient Ground Beef and Vegetable Casserole
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
Scatter the chopped bell peppers on top of the beef.
In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of water, then pour this mixture over the casserole.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a bit of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of chili powder or a diced jalapeño to the ground beef while cooking. If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be great substitutes for cheddar. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat version. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
Ingredients and Their Points
- Ground Beef (lean, 93% lean)
- 4 oz: approximately 6 SmartPoints
- Vegetables (mixed, e.g., carrots, bell peppers, onions)
- 1 cup: approximately 0-1 SmartPoint (most non-starchy vegetables are 0 points)
- Canned Tomatoes (no salt added)
- 1 cup: approximately 0 SmartPoints
- Cheese (reduced-fat)
- 1 oz: approximately 2 SmartPoints
- Rice or Pasta (cooked)
- 1 cup: approximately 5-6 SmartPoints depending on the type
- Oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon: approximately 3 SmartPoints
Total SmartPoints Calculation
- Ground Beef:Â 6
- Vegetables:Â 1
- Canned Tomatoes:Â 0
- Cheese:Â 2
- Rice/Pasta:Â 6
- Oil:Â 3
Total SmartPoints
6+1+0+2+6+3=18Â SmartPoints
Notes
- Adjust the quantities and types of ingredients according to your recipe for a more accurate calculation.
- You can use the Weight Watchers app or website to find specific SmartPoints for different brands and types of ingredients.
Feel free to ask if you need a specific recipe or further assistance!
