One-Pan Wonder: Hearty Ground Beef and Veggie Casserole

Looking for a fuss-free dinner that’s packed with flavor? This one-pan ground beef and veggie casserole is your answer! It’s a hearty combination of savory ground beef or sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables all nestled in a cheesy tomato sauce. Plus, the beauty lies in its simplicity – everything comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Stir in onion and carrots, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover the pan and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and stir in frozen peas. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use browned Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• If you don’t have frozen peas, you can substitute with another frozen vegetable like corn or green beans.
• To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or sausage and add an extra cup of diced vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This one-pan casserole is a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your busy kitchen!