1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to thaw and warm up slightly.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Mix the Cream Soup and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Combine Everything Together: Add the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes (whichever you prefer) and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Optional Topping: For a crispy, buttery topping, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this over the cheese layer.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Casserole:
- Use Cooked Pasta, Rice, or Potatoes: Make sure whichever base you use (pasta, rice, or potatoes) is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- Substitute the Meat: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or black beans.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for a convenient meal.
Variations:
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of ground beef and substitute the mixed vegetables for steamed broccoli.
- Mexican Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the meat mixture and use black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with jalapeños and serve with sour cream and salsa.
- Vegetarian Casserole: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Salad: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a balanced meal.
- With Bread: Serve alongside warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.
Conclusion
This Favorite Casserole is a simple, versatile dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its creamy sauce, tender meat, and cheesy topping, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can adapt it to your family’s tastes. Enjoy!