Community Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pan meal with ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy cheese topping, perfect for feeding a group and sparking conversations. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking into small pieces (5-7 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened and fragrant (2-3 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, stirring until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 1/2 cups beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 cups cooked rice, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Community Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Community Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Community Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Community Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Community Casserole?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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