There’s nothing quite like a comforting casserole straight from Granny’s kitchen — especially when it’s easy on the wallet and loaded with flavor. Cheesy Does It! Ole Granny’s Ground Beef Bake on a Budget is a hearty, down-home dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Inspired by old-fashioned, no-fuss cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, large families, or anyone craving a taste of nostalgia. With simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, it’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to be expensive.
Whether you’re serving it up with a side salad, crusty bread, or just digging in straight from the pan, this cozy classic is sure to become a family favorite — just like it was in Granny’s house.
Cheesy Does It! Ole Granny’s Ground Beef Bake on a Budget
Description
This hearty and comforting ground beef casserole is everything a budget-friendly dinner should be — easy to make, satisfying, and full of down-home flavor. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a golden baked topping, Cheesy Does It! is a nostalgic nod to classic home cooking.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, this dish comes together in no time and is perfect for feeding the whole family without stretching your grocery bill. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to share, this casserole delivers taste, warmth, and plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add the ground beef to a pan over medium high heat. Fry until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if it's necessary. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add in the onion and garlic. Stir and Saute until fragrant. Mix well. Now season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the seasoning covers the meat. Add in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Mix and bring to a soft boil. Set the mixture aside.
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In the casserole dish of your choice, spread the hash browns over the bottom evenly. Spread the ground beef mixture over the top and sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the ground beef. Add the shredded cheese over.
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In a small mixing bowl combine the melted butter and bread crumbs over the top of the casserole. Place in a 375 degree preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
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Remove, serve, and enjoy your Ole Granny’s Ground Beef Bake on a Budget!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.2g50%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.9g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 2.8g
- Protein 24.5g49%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
Note
- Use What You Have: This is a very forgiving casserole. Feel free to swap the pasta for cooked rice, hash browns, or even crushed crackers or leftover bread.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in a handful of frozen peas, corn, or chopped green beans. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers also work great.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar adds a nice sharp bite, you can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or Monterey Jack for creaminess. Use what you’ve got on hand!
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Freezer Friendly: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Just wrap it well, label, and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
- Crusty Topping Tip: Sprinkle a bit of buttered bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes on top before baking for a crunchy golden finish.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little kick.
