Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Each recipe is ready in 30 minutes or less to save you time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Swedish Meatballs are a favorite, and best of all, they’re easy to make.
Tender homemade meatballs are simmered in a savory cream sauce for a weeknight favorite. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
An Easy Weeknight Meal
They make a delicious main dish over potatoes, noodles, or rice; kids love them!
Use homemade or frozen meatballs.
Add mushrooms, onions, or sour cream if you’d like.
Ingredients in Swedish Meatballs
Meatballs –Meatballs made with ground beef and pork have great flavor, but you can use all ground beef if you prefer. Choose lean beef (not extra lean) for the best flavor. Frozen meatballs can be used in place of homemade. Traditional Swedish meatballs have some warm spices in the meat mixture, as I’ve added in the recipe below.
Swedish Meatball Sauce—This sauce is simple. It’s made from a mixture of beef stock and heavy cream thickened with a bit of flour. Soy sauce is frequently added to a traditional Swedish meatball sauce, it adds salt and umami (savory flavor).
Variations
If you want to add onion, cook ½ finely diced onion in the butter before adding the flour.
Some or all of the heavy cream can be replaced with sour cream but the flavor will be more similar to a stroganoff.
If you use beef broth instead of beef stock, you may need to add a bouillon cube, as the flavor may be lighter.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
These all-purpose meatballs come out juicy and tender every time!
Combine the meatball ingredients in a bowl and form meatballs (recipe below).
Brown the meatballs in a large skillet and set aside.
Cook butter and flour. Whisk in broth and cream smooth. Season and simmer meatballs in the sauce until cooked through.
Swedish meatballs are served with lingonberry jam, which has a flavor similar to cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Move over Ikea – homemade Swedish meatballs are easy to make! We love to serve this dish over a bed of egg noodles but they’re great spooned over rice or mashed potatoes too.
Storing Swedish Meatballs
The meatballs can be assembled up to 48 hours in advance or frozen until they’re ready to use.
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
Did you enjoy this Swedish Meatball recipe? If so, leave a rating and a comment below!
5 from 12 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Swedish Meatballs
These Swedish meatballs are cooked in a creamy, mouthwatering gravy.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
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To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, bread crumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and clove. Mix well and roll into 1-inch meatballs (About 45-48 meatballs).
Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and brown on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
To make the sauce, add the butter to the drippings in the skillet. Stir in the flour and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the broth and cream, stirring until smooth after each addition. Add the soy sauce.
Add the meatballs to the sauce and bring to a simmer over medium low heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer for 5-10 minutes more or until thickened and the meatballs are cooked through. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
*If you replace the beef stock with beef broth, you may need to add extra seasoning or a bit of bouillon. Heavy cream can be replaced with spreadable cream cheese or sour cream if desired. This will change the flavor of the sauce. If using prepared frozen meatballs, they do not need to be browned first. They can be simmered from frozen. Homemade frozen meatballs should be thawed first and cooked as directed in the recipe. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals. See more posts by Holly
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This Ground Beef and Rice Instant Pot Casserole takes only 10 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners! Check out the video tutorial for step-by-step instructions!
Easy Instant Pot Casserole Recipe
Growing up, my mom called this “busy day casserole” because it was quick and easy to put together and throw in the oven to be ready at dinner time. With the Instant Pot, you can make this not only on a busy day, but on an ultra crazy insane day, which it seems like we are having more and more of here. Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for the win!!!!
Our original hamburger and rice casserole gets hundreds of pins every month. We just knew we had to create a recipe for the Instant Pot to make it an even quick and easier weeknight meal for your family.
Just like the original recipe, we have created two versions for this Instant Pot recipe. One is the super quick version, and one is the from scratch version. We like to make everything from scratch as often as possible, but sometimes life is crazy and you just need to open a can and pour it in to get dinner on the table.
I’ve mentioned several times that I was a picky eater growing up — sorry, Mom! Now my pickiness has come full circle and I have picky eaters of my own. Bless them! They love this Instant Pot casserole just like I did growing up. The flavors are kid-friendly and loved by everyone. It is the cure to picky eater syndrome, and it even is getting vegetables in their bodies! Woop woop! I only wish I could find 10 more recipes they all will eat! A girl can dream!
What’s Needed for Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
As I mentioned above, we created two versions of this Instant Pot hamburger casserole recipe — one version uses some ingredient shortcuts, and one version is totally from scratch. For the quick and easy version, you’ll need:
Ground Beef
Onion
Garlic Salt
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Long Grain White Rice
Water
Carrots
Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese
If making the from scratch version of this Instant Pot casserole recipe with ground beef, you’ll need to swap out the canned cream of mushroom soup for the following:
Unsalted Butter
Garlic
Mushrooms
All-Purpose Flour
Chicken Broth
Heavy Cream
Salt and Pepper
The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for all the details.
How to Make the Quick Version of This Instant Pot Casserole
I love using the Instant Pot to feed my family quick dinners, and the fact that we can now have this family favorite recipe in less than 30 minutes has me so giddy! Here are the basic steps:
Start by turning your Instant Pot to “more” on the Sauté mode.
Sauté the ground beef until it is mostly cooked through and then add the onion and garlic salt. Cook that for a few minutes and then drain any excess grease.
Then add the cream of mushroom soup, water and carrots and stir everything together well.
Add the rice to the top and push it down slightly so it is just submerged under the liquid.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Seal.”
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and pressure cook for 6 minutes and then allow a quick release by turning the valve to open it. Give everything a good stir.
You can add the cheese to the top then or we really like to place everything into an oven safe pan and then top with cheese and stick it unto the oven on broil to melt the cheese.
Read More: Be sure to check out our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet for all the info you need on cooking with your Instant Pot!
How to Make This Instant Pot Casserole From Scratch
For the from scratch version, we are going to make our own cream of mushroom soup.
We start with the same steps of sautéing the ground beef and onions and removing it and draining the excess grease.
Then, it is time to make the cream of mushroom soup. With the Instant Pot still on sauté, add the butter, onion, garlic and mushrooms and sauté it until everything is tender.
Whisk everything with the flour for about 30 seconds.
Add the cream, chicken broth, and seasonings and whisk until it all comes together and thickens.
Then you can add the rest of the ingredients except the rice (water, garlic salt, carrots, previously cooked ground beef and onions) and stir everything thoroughly.
Add the rice on top and push it down slightly so it is submerged in the liquid.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to “Seal” and set it to high pressure for 6 minutes and then quick release when it has finished cooking.
From there you can follow the instructions given in the quick version for melting the cheese.
Both versions of this recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Absolutely! If using brown rice in this ground beef Instant Pot casserole recipe, add an extra 1/2 cup of water. Note that it will need to cook for 20 minutes in the Instant Pot.
How to Store Leftover Instant Pot Casserole
Store leftover Instant Pot ground beef casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
Yes! Cook the Instant Pot casserole without the cheese, and then allow it to cool completely. Then, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
When you’re ready to eat the Instant Pot ground beef and rice casserole, put the cheese on it and warm up the leftovers in the oven (350 degrees F for about 30 minutes if you’re cooking from frozen). You could also let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the cheese and warm it up in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
One of the things I love about casseroles is that you can totally change things up to fit your family’s likes. You can:
Add different vegetables (broccoli, green beans, corn, etc)
Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of beef
Use different cheeses for the top (pepper jack for some heat maybe?).
This ground beef Instant Pot recipe is so versatile! Get dinner on the table in no time with this easy dinner and crowd-pleasing Instant Pot casserole recipe. Made with ground beef, rice, and cheese, it’s a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
More Instant Pot Dinner Recipes:
Looking for a few different Instant Pot dinner recipes other than our Ground Beef and Rice Casserole? Here are just a few to get you started:
Servings: 5
Prep Time: 2 minutesmins
Cook Time: 10 minutesmins
Total Time: 12 minutesmins
Description
This Ground Beef and Rice Instant Pot Casserole takes only 10 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
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Quick Version:
Heat the instant pot to “more” on the sauté mode.
Add the ground beef and cook until almost cooked through, add the onion and garlic salt and sauté for a total of 3-5 minutes.
1.3 Pounds Ground Beef, 1/3 Cup Onion, 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
Drain excess grease.
Add the soup, water and carrots and stir well to combine.
1 Can Soup, 2 Cups Water, 1 Cup Carrots
Add the rice on top and push it down so it is just submerged under the liquid.
1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
Add the lid and set the valve to seal.
Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow a quick release by turning the valve, stir everything together and either add the cheese or we like to pop it in a dish and cover with cheese under the broiler.
1 ½ Cups Cheese
From Scratch Version:
Heat the instant pot to saute and add the ground beef.
1.3 lbs Ground Beef
Remove the meat to a plate and drain off grease.
Keep the instant pot on sauté and add the butter, onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook until tender and whisk in the flour for 30 seconds.
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, 1/4 Cup Onion, 1 Clove Garlic, 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms
Add the cream, broth and seasoning and continue to cook on saute until bubbling and thick.
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream, 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth, 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, Salt
Quickly add all ingredients into the pot, stir well and add the lid.
3 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour, 2 Cups Water, 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt, 1 Cup Carrots, 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
Set the valve to seal and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
Follow remaining instructions above.
Cheese
You can add any additional seasonings or veggies.
You can also use shredded, cooked chicken instead of beef.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional info is based on the from scratch version
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With all the flavor and none of the work, this slow-cooker lasagna soup will be in the year-round dinner rotation.
This fully loaded crockpot lasagna soup recipe has seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and loads of cheese simmered in a veggie-filled marinara sauce.
This recipe has all the meaty, cheesy goodness of homemade baked lasagna.
Easy ingredients and quick prep (that can be done the night before).
No need to boil or layer lasagna noodles. Make extra because this soup freezes beautifully!
The ultimate crowd-pleasing main dish, serve crock pot lasagna soup with a side of cheesy breadsticks to soak up all that delicious tomato broth.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Meat: Ground beef, chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage are perfect proteins for lasagna.
Broth: Three kinds of tomatoes give this soup a rich taste and texture.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are lasagna must-haves!
Pasta: Break up lasagna noodles or use medium shells or macaroni, penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
Cheese: Gooey, melty cheeses like ricotta and parmesan add a tangy flavor to lasagna soup. Make homemade ricotta with this easy recipe or switch out the ricotta for small-curd cottage cheese for a more budget-friendly dish. Parmesan rinds are leftover sections of parmesan wheels and add loads of flavor to soups and stews. You can ask for them at the deli, or cut the rind off a purchased wedge and keep it in the freezer.
PRO TIP: Cook the pasta to al dente and then add it in Step 3. This keeps the pasta from overcooking in the broth and allows it to soak up the tomato flavor.
Variations
Omit the meat and double up on extra veggies. Because this is a soup, it’s also a budget-friendly way to use up extra veggies that bulk up the soup.
Short on time? Toss in a bag of frozen meatballs in Step 2.
Omit the pasta for a low-carb dish if desired.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Cook meat, onions, and garlic and transfer to a crockpot.
Add everything (recipe below) except the pasta and spinach. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
Stir in cooked pasta and spinach.
Serve with optional ricotta, parmesan, basil, and parsley.
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Keep leftover crock pot lasagna soup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (the flavors will just continue to get better)! Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze-cooled portions in zippered bags for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh pasta if desired.
Super Hearty Soups to Savor
Did you make this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup? Leave a comment and a rating below.
4.99 from 67 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Slow cooker lasagna soup combines all the flavors of lasagna in a warm, comforting soup, with minimal effort!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 hourshours20 minutesminutes
Total Time 3 hourshours40 minutesminutes
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In a frying pan, brown the beef, onion, and garlic on medium-high until no pink remains; drain any fat. Add beef mixture to a 6QT slow cooker.
Add remaining ingredients, except for spinach and cooked pasta. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours or until mushrooms and peppers are tender.
In a separate pot, cook the pasta al dente following the package directions.
Mix in the pasta and spinach. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes more. Ladle into individual bowls and add desired toppings.
*Nutrition information calculated without optional toppings. Parmesan rinds are the outer edges of a parmesan cheese wheel. You can often find them at the deli for a low cost, and they store well in the freezer. If you’re cutting a rind from fresh parmesan, simply freeze it for later use. If rinds aren’t available, a sprinkle of fresh parmesan before serving works just as well. The recipe makes about 12 cups of soup.
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Make a delicious classic patty melt at home in minutes!
This patty melt recipe, combines the best of a grilled cheese sandwich and burger, topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for a diner classic at home.
A patty melt is different from a good ol’ cheeseburger as the beef patty is topped with caramelized onions between two slices of bread. It’s cooked ‘grilled-cheese-style’ for a perfect bite.
A classic patty melt is a comforting cross between a melty grilled cheese sandwich and a juicy burger with retro-style flavor.
You can make them with simple ingredients that are likely already on hand.
It tastes delicious with a seasoned beef patty, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese.
They’re a perfect last-minute dinner; swap out frozen beef patties for easy prep.
What You’ll Need to Make a Patty Melt
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef; it has enough fat to make the burger patties juicy without being too fatty. You can replace it with frozen beef patties cooked according to package directions. I keep the seasonings simple in this recipe but feel free to add garlic powder or your favorite seasonings.
Onions: Use any variety of onions. Caramelizing onions is best when its done very low and slow.
Cheese: I love a slice of Swiss cheese on a patty melt, but feel free to use cheddar cheese, American cheese, or your favorite variety.
Bread: Patty melts generally replace the buns with thick slices of bread. Use a hearty bread like sourdough, marble rye, or even Texas toast. Thicker pieces of bread work best.
Sauce: Sauces are optional, but I love Thousand Island dressing or burger sauce. You can add ketchup, relish, or mustard, or just serve them on the side for dipping.
Variations: Customize patty melts with strips of cooked bacon, pickle slices, sautéed mushrooms, creamy coleslaw, or sauerkraut.
How to Make a Patty Melt
Make this delicious diner classic at home in minutes!
Caramelize the onions and set aside. (See recipe below.)
Cook patties to the desired doneness.
Layer beef patty, cheese, onions, and sauce between buttered bread slices.
Grill until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
Patty Melt Tips & Tricks
Shape the patty to the size of the bread so a little bit of everything gets into every bite!
For the best, less soggy patty melts, let the beef patties drain on clean paper towels before assembling.
Make patty melts in advance and wrap them in aluminum foil before refrigerating for 3-4 days. Pop them in the toaster to warm them up again or reheat in the air fryer.
What to Serve with Patty Melt
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5 from 17 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Patty Melt
A juicy beef patty is layered with sautéed onions, Swiss cheese and tangy dressing between slices of crunchy pan-grilled bread.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 35 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
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In a medium skillet, combine sliced onions and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook over low heat until onions are golden, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, combine beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper. Form the beef mixture into four thin patties shaped similar to the bread.
In a cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or to desired doneness. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Top each slice of bread with the dressing and mustard if using. Add a slice of cheese, onions, and beef patty. Top with the remaining slice of bread.
In a clean skillet or on an electric griddle, melt 2 tableespoons of butter. Add the patty melts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
With a spatula, flip each sandwich over and grill on the other side, adding more butter as needed, until the cheese ismelted and the bread is lightly toasted.
Beef patties may be made ahead and refrigerated in an air-tight container for 3 days.
Frozen beef patties can be used in place of fresh beef. Season to taste and prepare according to package directions.
Store leftover beef patties for up to 4 months by foil wrapping, followed by plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.
This hearty baked rigatoni recipe is fast, flavorful, and on the table in minutes.
With just a handful of ingredients this easy rigatoni recipe has a zesty beefy tomato sauce tossed with rigatoni, sprinkled with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.
Loads of savory Italian flavors and rich pasta sauce.
It’s easy to prepare and with a few ingredients.
Baking pasta is a perfect way to blend the flavors and creates a delicious cheesy crust.
This recipe is a great way to stretch ground beef, and it’s versatile.
Add extra veggies and sauce to stretch the meal (and your budget) even further!
What You’ll Need for Baked Rigatoni
Meat: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for a delicious meaty sauce in this baked rigatoni recipe.
Pasta: I love rigatoni for all that meaty sauce to cling to. Try other hearty pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, or penne.
Sauce: This shortcut sauce levels up a jar of your fave pasta sauce (we love this brand). You can replace it with homemade marinara sauce.
Cheese: This casserole is topped with grated mozzarella; feel free to add Parmesan cheese, use pre-shredded, or swap in your favorite Italian cheese blend.
Variations
Meat: Change the flavor by using ground turkey or Italian sausage. Short on time? Toss in some mini pre-cooked meatballs in Step 4.
Veggies: Stretch the meal further with veggies—try chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes.
Cheese: Other cheeses to try are provolone, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Creamy ricotta can be added to the Sauce in Step 4 for an extra rich and creamy sauce.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni
Cook ground beef with onion and simmer with the sauce (recipe below).
Stir cooked rigatoni into the meat sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
Cook the pasta until al dente (firm), as it will cook more as it bakes.
Veggies can be added; be sure to cook them first so they don’t make the rigatoni watery.
Swap out the cheese for what you have on hand. Pre-shredded cheese works just fine in this recipe!
Keep leftover baked rigatoni covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat portions in the microwave.
How to Make Ahead
Prepare this rigatoni pasta bake up to 3 days in advance.
To freeze whole, baked, and cooled rigatoni pasta, line the casserole dish with foil before baking. This makes it easy to lift out once frozen, so you can reuse the dish and enjoy a hassle-free meal prep.
Wrap the frozen casserole with more foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in a casserole dish in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
More Baked Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
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5 from 28 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Baked Rigatoni
Baked rigatoni with meat sauce and cheese is easy to make and the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
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Preheat oven to 350℉. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
In a large saucepan brown ground beef and onion over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain any fat.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute.
Add the pasta sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Meanwhile, add rigatoni to the boiling water, and cook just to al dente according to the package directions (it will continue to cook in the oven).
Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain. Stir pasta water into meat sauce.
Combine pasta and pasta sauce in a saucepan. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish, and transfer the pasta mixture.
Cover with a lightly greased piece of foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese has started to brown.
To make ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
This ground beef casserole is both easy and delicious.
Seasoned meat, sauce, noodles, and three kinds of cheese are layered in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly!
It’s perfect to prep ahead, and it reheats and freezes well!
It’s budget-friendly and a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef!
My easy, cheesy recipe has lots of flavor and it’s easy to make.
This ground beef casserole recipe is versatile; add your favorite vegetables or even beans.
Prep ahead and bake before serving. Just like chili or meatloaf, it’s just as good (or even better) the next day!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole
Almost lasagna-like in flavor, this family favorite uses ingredients you likely have on hand.
Meat: I use lean ground beef, but you can also use Italian sausage or ground turkey.
Pasta: Choose hearty noodles with twists or ridges to grab the sauce.
Sauce: Use your fave pasta sauce (I love this brand) with a can of whole tomatoes. You can also use canned diced tomatoes, but I find whole tomatoes have a better consistency.
Cheese: I combine use cottage cheese and sour cream for a double dose of creamy goodness. Replace the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. Parmesan and mozzarella add flavor. You can add any cheese blend or even cheddar cheese in place.
Variations
Add almost any veggie you’d like to the sauce (try zucchini or bell peppers). Add it to the skillet once the meat has browned and cook until tender before adding the sauce ingredients.
Bake: Layer the pasta, cheese mixture, and ground beef mixture in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Serve this pasta casserole with a big piece of cornbread or crusty bread for sopping up any sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover ground beef casserole covered in the fridge for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long)! Reheat in the microwave (or oven) for meals throughout the week.
Freeze the entire casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above. If the casserole is cold fr the fridge, you may need to add extra cooking time.
More Ground Beef Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are truly the ultimate comfort food and these easy casserole recipes will hit the spot!
Did your family love this Ground Beef Casserole? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
4.98 from 34 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Ground Beef Casserole
This homemade casserole is loaded with ground beef, pasta, and 3 different kinds of cheese in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
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Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large deeps skillet until no pink remains. Drain fat.
Break up the canned tomatoes with your hands. Add (including the juices) to the ground beef along with pasta sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in half of the parsley, taste, and season with salt & pepper.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, do not rinse.
Mix sour cream, cottage cheese, egg, basil, remaining parsley, and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
Add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
Layer half of the pasta, top with all sour cream mixture, the remaining pasta and the meat sauce.
Top with mozzarella cheese and cover.
Bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Keep leftover ground beef casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cowboys and cowgirls will giddy up to this meaty, cheesy, tot-filled casserole!
Layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, tater tots, and loads of melty cheese are all baked into this cowboy casserole.
Who doesn’t love cheesy tater tots, tender veggies, and taco meat all in one dish?
This kid-friendly dish is perfect for sleepovers and movie nights!
Larger families and those on a budget will appreciate a casserole that’s healthy, wholesome, and full of flavor!
Wrap up leftovers in tortillas for grab-and-go lunches!
Ingredients in Cowboy Casserole
Ground Beef: Ground beef is seasoned with taco seasoning (I prefer homemade). You can use ground turkey in place.
Soup: Cream of Chicken Soup adds a rich, savory flavor to this casserole. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can also be used! Feel free to skip the can and make homemade condensed chicken soup.
Vegetables: Corn adds a sweet and colorful touch to cowboy casserole, but any veggie will do, even a bag of frozen mixed veggies (no need to thaw)!
Tater Tots: Tater tots, wedges, shoestring fries, diced potatoes, hashbrowns, and even leftover mashed potatoes can all be used in this recipe (be sure to use thawed potatoes).
Cheese: I shred my own cheddar cheese, but any pre-shredded cheese blend will also work in this recipe.
How to Make Cowboy Casserole
Brown and season ground beef (recipe below).
Stir in the beans and sauce ingredients.
Add tater tots to a casserole dish, top with the beef mixture and the remaining tater tots.
Top with cheese and bake until browned.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cowboy casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat portions in the microwave or the stovetop. Reheat larger portions (or the entire casserole) in a crock pot.
Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Ground Beef Casseroles
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Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with spicy ground beef, tater tots, and hearty beans.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 35 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef, and cook until no pink remains. Drain fat. Add the taco seasoning and cook 2 minutes more.
Add the beans, corn, soup, ½ cup cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder and pepper to the beef and stir well to combine.
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and add half of the tater tots. Spread the beef mixture over top.
Top with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered until browned and bubbly, 20-25 minutes.
Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
This recipe for Ravioli Lasagna lets you come home to everyone’s favorite set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Slow-cooker lasagna has all the rich and meaty, cheesy goodness of regular lasagna but uses ravioli in place of pasta and ricotta cheese—no boiling required!
It’s so delicious that it’s featured in my cookbook (you can order a copy here)!
This recipe can be quickly prepped before an outing and it’s ready to enjoy when you come home.
It’s super convenient! There is no need to pre-cook lasagna noodles, and no layering is required.
It uses fewer ingredients but the flavor you love from a traditional lasagna cheesy, meatylasagna recipe.
What You Need For Ravioli Lasagna
Meat: I use ground beef to create a meaty sauce for this ravioli lasagna recipe. Ground turkey or ground sausage are also great.
Ravioli: I use cheese ravioli or spinach and cheese ravioli in this recipe to replace the ricotta cheese layer and traditional pasta. There’s no need to thaw or cook the pasta in advance.
Did you know you can get crisp edges and browned cheese in a slow cooker?
Rest paper towel over the top of the slow cooker without allowing it to touch the cheese. This will absorb moisture and result in more browning on the edges.
Storing and Reheating
This easy crockpot lasagna recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Top portions with extra mozzarella and parmesan before reheating.
Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until heated through.
Or reheat and serve crowd-pleasing ravioli lasagna straight from the crock pot. Serve with a basket of garlic bread for soaking up all that savory sauce.
More Quick Prep Crock Pot Recipes
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Ravioli Lasagna
This Ravioli Lasagna recipe is easy to make with a zesty meat sauce, frozen cheese ravioli, and loads of cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 hourshours20 minutesminutes
Resting Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 3 hourshours50 minutesminutes
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In a large skillet, brown the beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain fat.
Add marinara sauce, drained tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Spray the inside of a 6 qt crock pot with cooking spray.
Add 1 cup of the meat sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the frozen ravioli, 2 cups of sauce, and 1 ¼ cups of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining ravioli, the remaining sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Top with parmesan cheese.
To absorb excess moisture, Place a double layer of paper towel over the top of the slow cooker, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
Once cooked, turn the slow cooker off, remove the lid, and rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Pasta Sauce: It’s okay if your jar of pasta sauce is a little bit larger, the lasagna will just be slightly more saucy. Ravioli: Cheese and spinach ravioli are also great in this recipe. Optionally, you can add 5 oz of fresh chopped baby spinach to the layers. Paper towel: Adding paper towel to the top of the slow cooker is optional; however it absorbs moisture, creating more crispy browned bits on the edges. Check it early: Slow cookers can vary, check the lasagna early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If it is done early, remove the lid and let it rest—it will hold the heat for a very long time. To bake ravioli lasagna: Add 1 cup of sauce to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with half of the ravioli, half of the sauce, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers and cover with aluminum foil. Preheat the oven and bake at 375°F covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Meatloaf muffins are a fun and fast twist on a classic.
This mini meatloaf recipe turns ground beef into a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
They are easy to prepare for a great weeknight meal.
Mini meatloaves cook in less than 30 minutes.
You can prepare these ahead of time and bake them before serving.
They reheat and freeze well for meal prep.
What You’ll Need For Mini Meatloaves
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef (80/20), which has just enough fat to be flavorful. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken or replace ⅓ of the ground beef with ground pork.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs bind the meatloaf together and keep it nice and juicy. Use seasoned bread crumbs in this recipe. If using plain breadcrumbs, season them with extra garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Egg: Eggs also help the meatloaf muffins to hold together.
Flavor: I add green bell pepper, onion, and a bit of bbq sauce for flavor. Since these cook quickly, the onion should be softened or replaced with ¾ teaspoon onion powder.
Mini Meatloaf Topping Variations
Zesty Topping: ⅓ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup chili sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Brown Sugar Topping: ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard
BBQ Topping: combine equal parts BBQ sauce and ketchup
How to Cook Meatloaf in Muffin Tins
Prep: Soften the onion according to the recipe below. Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
Glaze: Prepare the glaze by whisking ketchup, chili sauce, and brown sugar.
Bake: Divide the mini loaves among a muffin pan, top with glaze, and bake.
Remove when done and allow to rest for several minutes before serving.
Holly’s Tips
Muffin tin meatloaf cooks quickly, and everyone loves them. Here are my tips for perfection.
Use cooking spray or parchment liners to ensure the meatloaves don’t stick.
Mix just until combined, overmixing can cause dense meatloaves.
These bake for about 22 – 26 minutes at 425°F. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
Storage & Freezing
This mini meatloaf recipe is practically tailor-made for the freezer, either as a make-ahead meal or for leftovers.
After Baking: Bake as directed and cool completely. Freeze in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container.
Freezing Raw: You can freeze raw meatloaf muffins for cooking later. Prepare as directed and freeze in the pan. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags or an airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. If the meatloaves are frozen to the pan, dip the bottom of the pan in hot water for a few seconds to release them.
To bake, place the muffins back into the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed adding 3 to 4 minutes to the baking time.
More Delicious Meatloaf Recipes
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Mini Meatloaf Muffins
These easy meatloaf muffins are the perfect snack or quick dinner idea. They’re great for making ahead and freezing!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a muffin pan or spray with cooking spray and set aside.
To make the glaze, in a medium bowl, combine ketchup, chili sauce, and brown sugar, and set aside.
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine beef, cooled onion, bell pepper, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add ¼ cup of the glaze mixture. Mix just until combined.
Divide the meat mixture over 10 muffin wells. Divide the glaze over the tops of the meatloaves.
Bake uncovered for 22-26 minutes or until cooked through, and the loaves reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Rest for 5 minutes.
You can replace the onion with ¾ teaspoon onion powder.Mini meatloaves can be frozen before or after cooking.
To freeze raw meatloaf muffins, prepare as directed and freeze in the pan. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags or an airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. If the meatloaves are frozen in the pan, dip the bottom of the pan in hot water for a few seconds to release them. To bake, place the muffins back into the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding 3 to 4 minutes to the baking time.
Porcupine meatballs have a hearty flavor and a tender texture.
These tasty meatballs are made with ground beef, rice, onion and seasonings then baked in a rich tomato sauce.
These meatballs are savory and tender with lots of flavor.
They are cooked in a rich sauce for an easy meal.
Added rice makes them hearty and delicious.
Ingredients for Porcupine Meatballs
These meatballs differ from our usual meatball recipe because there is rice in the meat mixture and no porcupines ;).
Meat Mixture: I use lean ground beef for these meatballs since a little bit of fat adds flavor and keeps them moist. You can use ground pork or turkey in place.
Rice: I use long grain rice in these meatballs. They can be made with leftover cooked white rice or raw, uncooked rice. *See recipe notes.
Sauce: The sauce is easy to make. Tomato juice gives it the right consistency, tomato soup adds a bit of sweetness and a slightly creamy texture, and tomato sauce adds acidity and tang. You can use homemade tomato sauce if you’d like.
Cream Sauce Variation
Swap the tomato based sauce for a creamy mushroom soup sauce and serve it over pasta.
Combine 1 can mushroom soup, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until smooth and pour over meatballs. Bake as directed.
How to Make Porcupine Meatballs
Combine meatball ingredients and form into balls (recipe below).
Place meatballs in a casserole dish.
Combine sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs.
Bake for 1 hour.
You can use raw rice or cooked rice, but I often make these with leftover cooked rice. If using cooked rice, any variety will work.
Serving Suggestions
I prefer to serve these meatballs over additional rice or pasta. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or oven-roasted potatoes.
How to Freeze Porcupine Meatballs
These porcupine meatballs will freeze well. Prepare the meatballs as directed, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for 3 months.
More Meatballs To Love
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Porcupine Meatballs
These porcupine meatballs are tender rice-meatballs baked in a zesty tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic powder, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Divide the meat mixture into 20 meatballs and place them in a baking dish, approximately 2 quarts.
In a medium bowl, combine tomato soup, tomato sauce, vegetable juice, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with parsle and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tomato Soup: I use condensed tomato soup for a bit of sweetness and creaminess. Use the soup directly from the can, no need to add water. Seasoning: I find the soup and vegetable juice to have enough salt for my liking. You can add salt and black pepper if desired. Raw Rice: If using raw rice, use ½ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice to the meatball mixture in place of cooked rice and add ½ cup water to the sauce. Add the meatballs to a large Dutch oven or pot, cover, and cook over a low simmer on the stovetop for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender. Cooked Rice: Any variety of cooked rice can be used in this recipe in place of white rice.
This easy Taco Skillet is loaded with all your favorite taco flavors, but made into a quick and easy stir-fry. It will quickly become a new family weeknight dinner favorite!
Serve this up with a side of our amazing black beans and some chips and salsa, and you have a meal the whole family will rave about!
Can we just get an amen for easy, delicious, weeknight dinner meals that the whole family loves?! This Taco Skillet recipe is going to be a new fav for all of those reasons.
I mean, who doesn’t love tacos?!
And when tacos met the easy cooking method of stir-frying everything in one pan —YES PLEASE!
You’ve probably never thought to stir-fry tacos, but I had the thought to give it a try one night and we loved it! I’m issuing you the challenge to try this taco pasta skillet and see if your family loves it!
This taco pasta skillet is a cinch to make and requires few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Mexican-inspired stir-fry:
Oil
Butter
Zucchini
Onion
Carrots
Garlic
Bell Pepper
Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Coriander, Onion Powder, Fine Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, Cornstarch, and Cayenne Pepper
Water
Frozen Corn
Jalapeño
Cilantro
Angel Hair Pasta
The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. Keep scrolling for all the details!
How to Make a Taco Skillet
Here are the basic steps for making this recipe. If you keep scrolling to the end of the post, you can see the full recipe in the recipe card.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and the butter. Add the veggies and begin to sauté until soft. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Start making your pasta according to the package directions in a separate pot.
Once the veggies have sauteed, remove from the pan and add in the ground beef. Cook until almost cooked through, drain any grease, and return to the heat.
Add in the taco seasoning, water, and cooking, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Add all of the remaining ingredients except the pasta and cook for 5 additional minutes.
Last but not least, add the cooked pasta, toss and serve!
FAQ
How Long Will This Taco Pasta Skillet Keep?
If stored properly in an airtight container, the one-pot taco pasta skillet will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.
How to Reheat This Taco Skillet
The best way to reheat the taco skillet is on the stove. Add a little oil and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally until hot clear through. You can also heat in the microwave.
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
If you don’t want to use angle hair pasta, you can use rice noodles or the glass sweet potato noodles instead. They are equally as delicious!
Can I Use Another Meat Besides Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can also use the following: plant-based meat, ground turkey, ground chicken, or load it up with extra veggies and make it vegetarian.
Can Taco Seasoning Go Bad?
If taco seasoning is stored correctly, it will keep for 3 or more years. Even after 3 years, it can be used, it just may not be quite as flavorful. It should be stored in an airtight container.
Taco seasoning: You can use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning for this recipe, or you can make your own taco seasoning at home. I like to prep big batches of the homemade seasoning so I always have some on hand!
Dress it up: We love this taco skillet as is, but you could definitely dress it up with lime juice, hot sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, avocados (or guacamole), black olives, sour cream, black beans and more!
Spice up your stir-fry game with this delicious and easy taco-inspired dish. Packed with flavor and protein, it’s a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
More QUICK AND EASY DINNER IDEAS:
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutesmins
Cook Time: 20 minutesmins
Total Time: 30 minutesmins
Description
This easy Taco Skillet is loaded with all your favorite taco flavors, but made into a quick and easy stir-fry. It will quickly become a new family weeknight dinner favorite!
1teaspoonOil
1TablespoonButter
1Zucchini, sliced
1/2Onion, chopped
3/4CupCarrots, julienned or sliced
1Bell Pepper, chopped
1CupFrozen Corn
1CupGrape Tomatoes, sliced
Salt and Pepper
1/2PoundAngel Hair Pasta, (*see notes)
1CloveGarlic, minced
1PoundGround Beef, (*see notes)
2-3TablespoonsTaco Seasoning
1/4CupWater
1Jalapeno, sliced
1TablespoonFresh Cilantro, chopped
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In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and the butter. Add the veggies and begin to sauté until soft.
1 teaspoon Oil, 1 Tablespoon Butter, 1 Zucchini, 1/2 Onion, 3/4 Cup Carrots, 1 Bell Pepper, 1 Cup Frozen Corn
Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Salt and Pepper
Begin cooking the pasta.
1/2 Pound Angel Hair Pasta
Remove from the pan and add the ground beef.
1 Pound Ground Beef
Cook until almost cooked through, drain any grease and return to the heat.
Add the seasoning and water and cooking, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 2 minutes.
2-3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning, 1/4 Cup Water
Add all of the remaining ingredients except the pasta and cook for 5 additional minutes.
Ground beef: You can use plant-based meat, ground turkey or ground chicken as well. Noodles: We like to use rice noodles or the glass sweet potato noodles. Storage: Stir fry can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Nothing says summer quite like a good burger! This time we are teaching you how to make a perfect smash burger and there’s one secret that is life-changing. If it’s a summer BBQ with friends, a family reunion or a 4th of July bash, this smash burger recipe is the way to go!
Look, I don’t know why smashing a burger, literally the one thing you should NEVER do to meat totally works in this recipe, but it does. Ok, I do actually know why, it’s because it caramelizes every single piece of that patty thus making for more flavor in each bite, but the point is, it doesn’t make sense and so therefore you should absolutely eat it.
It’s kind of like that crazy wedge salad story; it’s simple and therefore it’s the beeeeeest!
Cade and I discovered smash burgers when we were in our first few years of marriage and I think it’s actually what kind of turned me from burger hater to burger enjoyer and now lover. I still loooove a crispy chicken sandwich, don’t you get me wrong, but a smash burger will always make my mouth water.
They are juicy, buttery, and have those crispy edges that are the star of this burger show. And the best thing about this is that smash burgers are simple and cook so fast…exactly what you want to feed the fam on a busy summer weeknight or to feed a crowd for your 4th of July festivities!
Ingredients for Smash Burgers
There’s nothing crazy going on with these ingredients. The crazy comes in the cooking technique, so your ingredient list looks like this:
Burger Patties
Canola Oil
Burger Buns: Potato buns taste great or brioche buns also work well.
Butter
Ground Beef (60/40): this probably sounds crazy, but just ask your butcher and trust me on this one…all the flavor comes in the higher fat content!
Salt
Pepper
Toppings
The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below.
How to Make a Smash Burger
We have a post already on the secrets to the best hamburger, which is amazing and true, but throw all those rules out the window for these smash burgers. Your first step in making these burgers is going to be at the grocery store. As your butcher for a pound of ground beef that is 60% ground chuck and 40% ground brisket (or sirloin). It’s going to blow your mind how much flavor that combination of beef has!
Divide the pound of ground beef into loose 2″ balls and set them in the freezer on plate for 15 minutes.
PRO TIP: The less you handle the meat, the better. Keep the balls loose with jagged edges so that there are more edge area to get crispy and delicious!
Toast the buns on a cast iron skillet and set aside.
Pull the meat out of the freezer and flatten each ball on the skillet using a metal spatula or a burger press and season one side with salt and pepper.
PRO TIP: High heat at first so that you instantly char that meat but then turn it down a little to medium so you don’t burn the meat.
Place the burgers onto the cast iron pan seasoned side down and then season the other side.
Cook until it caramelizes and flip. Add the cheese slices.
Cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
Place your burgers on the toasted hamburger buns and add your toppings.
All of the instructions in full detail can be found in the recipe card down below.
Why Do You Put the Meat in the Freezer Before Cooking?
This is the secret to making the smash burgers perfectly! With the meat nice and cold, it cooks a little slower while still letting the edges get caramelized and crispy. If the meat is too warm, it cooks too fast and dries out while the edges caramelize.
What to Eat with a Smash Burger
We love all the typical burger sides with this recipe. These are a few of our favorites:
Any of those recipes with be great with these burger, but you can seriously do any side you want! Just some simple french fries make my heart the happiest!
Variations on a Smash Burger
Feel free to top your burgers any way that you want. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Onions
Jalapenos
Bacon
Avocado
Sauteed Mushrooms
I want to know what you choose to top your burger!
Can I Make this Recipe on the Grill?
Yes! If you want that smoky grilled flavor, then absolutely grill them up! You’ll want to put a griddle on top of the grilling grates so you can really smash the burgers down. Or if you have a Blackstone, that works awesome too!
When you think of burgers, you think summer, and you should, but with a smash burger, you can make it all year round right on the stove top. They are juicy and crispy and the best burger I’ve had in ages! I’m dying for you to try it!
More Burger Recipes:
Servings: 4burgers
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Cook Time: 15 minutesmins
Total Time: 20 minutesmins
Description
Nothing says summer quite like a good burger! This time we are teaching you how to make a perfect smash burger and there’s one secret that is life-changing.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Form ¼ pound beef into loose 2″ balls. Set aside in the freezer on a plate.
1 Pound Ground Beef Blend
Brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil and set it over medium heat until shimmering.
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
Add the butter to the pan and place the buns, cut side down on the hot skillet. Cook just until the buns are nicely toasted and set the buns aside.
2 Tablespoons Butter, 4 Potato Burger Buns
Remove the meat from the freezer and season with salt and pepper. Place in a preheat, slightly oiled cast iron skillet and press down firmly and evenly to flatten the meat. Generously season the other side of the patty with salt & pepper.
Salt and Pepper
Cook until caramelization begins, about 1 minute. Flip and add the cheese.
American Cheese
Place a large lid over the burgers the last 30 seconds to melt the cheese. If you want the burgers more done wait a minute before adding the cheese.
Spread your burger sauce and lettuce over the bottom bun. Top with 1-2 patties and pickles and onion before enjoying.
Killer Burger Sauce, Lettuce, Pickles, White Onion
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I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this taco salad recipe. It’s a go-to anytime I need a quick meal.
Quick and easy, this taco salad has seasoned ground beef and cheese atop crisp lettuce and our favorite taco toppings.
Taco Salad Ingredients
The beauty of this Tex-Mex-inspired salad is that you can add what you love or use what you have on hand.
Meat: I use lean ground beef (80/20), ground turkey, or ground chicken depending on what I’ve got on hand.
Seasoning: Season the meat with either a packet or homemade taco seasoning. Making your own seasoning with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano is easy.
Lettuce:Romaine or iceberg lettuce are crunchy and sturdy, so they hold up well to lots of toppings. A mix of greens, like mesclun, is a bit too tender.
Toppings:Whatever you put on a taco (and more) is great on a taco salad! Our family favorites include shredded cheddar cheese, black olives, and a variety of veggies like leftover grilled corn, green onions, or cherry or Roma tomatoes.
Try any of the following to add flavor, crunch, and color.
Crunchy: Tortilla chips, Doritos, tortilla strips, or corn chips.
Brown and season the ground beef (recipe below). Stir in beans if using.
Wash lettuce and spin dry. Top with beef mixture and your favorite toppings.
Scoop into a large serving bowl or plates and top with tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.
Serve this taco salad in a tortilla bowl to make it just like your favorite restaurant!
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spray a flour tortilla with cooking spray (or brush it with butter or olive oil) and season with salt & your fave seasonings (cumin or a bit of chili powder are good).
Place the tortilla in an ovenproof bowl or a taco bowl maker and bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
More Main Dish Salad Recipes
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4.98 from 105 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Easy Taco Salad
This easy taco salad is crispy, crunchy, and colorful. Make a DIY taco bar by putting out all the toppings and let everyone make their own!
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
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In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in beans.
Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl or divide over individual serving bowls. Top with the seasoned meat mixture, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and desired toppings.
Top with tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream.
While we use sour cream and salsa as dressing, Catalina or Thousand Island are also great with this salad. To make this meal fast, use pre-washed lettuce. Prepare topping ingredients while the beef is browning. Leftover taco meat can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave.
Adding Italian sausage makes a quick sauce taste like it’s been cooking for hours.
This ziti dish is perfect to make ahead, and it reheats and freezes well.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
Meat: Italian sausage adds great flavor to the sauce. Feel free to replace it with ground beef (or ground turkey).
Sauce:This should be browned before adding to the casserole. Add more seasonings, spices (and some chili flakes for heat), and a tablespoon of olive oil for flavor. To make this dish vegetarian, use finely minced vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini.
Pasta:I use ziti in this recipe however, penne, rigatoni, or other tube-shaped pasta can be used in place.
Cheese:– Ricotta cheese makes the creamy cheese layer in this recipe. Replace it by blending cottage cheese with an egg until smooth. Feel free to add spinach or additional herbs to the cheese mixture.
Topping:– I sprinkle mozzarella cheese overtop for a browned bubbly topping. Just before serving, I love to add freshly grated parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Variations
Swap the sausage with turkey sausage or another ground meat of your choice. Add extra seasonings, salt, and a couple of cloves garlic if not using sausage.
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the simmering tomato sauce if desired.
More fresh herbs can be added to the cheese mixture or on top before serving.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Brown the sausage and onion (per the recipe below) in a large sauté pan. Add sauce ingredients and simmer.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water.
Combine the cheese mixture in a small bowl.
In a greased casserole dish, layer sauce, ziti, and the ricotta mixture.
Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and bake.
Tips for a Great Baked Ziti
Use a large skillet for browning meat so the sauce can simmer in the same pan.
Cook the pasta al dente (firm) as it will continue to cook as it bakes.
To make baked ziti ahead of time, prepare as directed, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking, and add 10 to 15 minutes of baking time.
If desired, this pasta casserole can be divided into two 9-inch baking dishes, and half can be frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
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4.97 from 584 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Easy Baked Ziti
Baked ziti has layers of zesty meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and tender ziti noodles baked until golden. Serve with garlic bread and salad.
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 25 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and onion, breaking it up with a spoon until the sausage is fairly fine. Drain any fat.
Add the pasta sauce, tomatoes, water, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste,
Meanwhile, boil ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well.
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Add 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ziti, top with all of the ricotta mixture, and half of the sauce.
Add remaining ziti, remaining sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
If replacing the sausage with ground beef or turkey, add 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat as it cooks. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a little kick if you’d like To Prepare Ahead of Time: Prepare as directed, storing the 1 cup of cheese for the topping in a separate container. Refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 4 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 25 minutes, add the cheese, and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.