When you want a simple, filling dinner without a long ingredient list, this 5-Ingredient Casserole is an easy option to keep in your recipe rotation.
It combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, corn, green beans, and cheddar cheese in one baking dish. The result is a warm, savory casserole that works well for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or casual gathering.
With five main ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is also a practical choice when you want to make dinner without a complicated cooking process.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Made with just 5 main ingredients
Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
Requires minimal preparation
Bakes in one casserole dish
Suitable for a weeknight dinner
Easy to customize with additional seasonings or vegetables
Convenient for using common pantry and refrigerator staples
Ingredients
For the Casserole
1½ pounds (about 700 g) ground beef
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) green beans, drained
1½ cups (about 150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
An 80/20 ground beef blend can provide good flavor, but you can use the ground beef you normally keep on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess fat before continuing.
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, drained green beans, and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This gives the casserole a little time to settle and makes it easier to portion.
Helpful Tips
Drain the canned vegetables: Removing excess liquid helps keep the casserole from becoming too watery.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts smoothly and works well for the topping.
Season to taste: The cream of mushroom soup and cheddar already provide flavor, but you can add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or another preferred seasoning.
Don’t overcook the casserole: Once it is hot and the cheese has melted, it is ready to serve.
Easy Variations
The basic recipe can be adjusted depending on what you have available.
Cheesy Beef Casserole
Add a little extra shredded cheddar to the top during the final stage of preparation.
Taco-Inspired Version
Add taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef and replace some or all of the cheddar with a Mexican-style cheese blend.
Mushroom Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the ground beef before combining the ingredients.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add additional cooked vegetables such as peas or carrots. Keep in mind that adding ingredients will change the original five-ingredient recipe.
What to Serve With It
This casserole can be served on its own as a complete meal or paired with a simple side.
Some options include:
Green salad
Steamed vegetables
Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread
Choose sides based on what you already have available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef. Cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole mixture.
How should I store leftovers?
Allow leftovers to cool, then place them in a covered container and refrigerate. Use refrigerated leftovers within 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. The assembled casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well and use it within about 3 months for best quality.
If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator before baking and allow additional cooking time if needed. Make sure the casserole is heated thoroughly before serving.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. If it is thoroughly chilled, it may need a little additional time in the oven.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken soup can be used as an alternative if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different, but it works well in this type of casserole.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Casserole is built around simple ingredients and an uncomplicated preparation method. Ground beef, creamy soup, vegetables, and cheddar come together in a single baking dish for a convenient dinner that is easy to prepare and customize.
If you’re looking for a straightforward casserole that doesn’t require an extensive shopping list, this is a useful recipe to have on hand.