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**”Made This Last Night for the Fam and We Scraped the Casserole Got Emptied Out! Full Recipe Inside”**

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# Made This Last Night for the Fam and We Scraped the Casserole Got Emptied Out!

There’s something magical about a casserole. It’s comfort food that brings family and friends together. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend gathering, casseroles have a special way of turning a simple meal into a memorable experience. I recently made a casserole for my family, and let me tell you, it was an absolute hit. We scraped the dish clean — not a single bite left behind!

In this article, I’ll share the full recipe with you, along with tips on how to customize it, make it ahead of time, and turn leftovers into new meals. Plus, I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your casserole turns out just as delicious as ours did.

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## Why Casseroles Are So Loved

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why casseroles are a staple in so many homes.

* **One-dish convenience:** Everything cooks together, making cleanup easier.
* **Versatility:** You can throw in a variety of ingredients—meats, veggies, cheeses, sauces—tailored to your family’s taste.
* **Comfort food:** Warm, hearty, and filling. Perfect for colder months or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
* **Great for feeding a crowd:** Casseroles can easily be doubled or tripled to feed larger groups.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** Prepare it in advance and bake when you’re ready, perfect for busy schedules.

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## The Star of Last Night’s Dinner: The Ultimate Family Casserole

### Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the casserole that had my family licking the plate:

* **1 lb ground beef or turkey** (you can substitute with shredded chicken for a lighter option)
* **1 medium onion, diced**
* **2 cloves garlic, minced**
* **1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes**
* **1 cup cooked rice or pasta** (white, brown rice, or elbow macaroni works well)
* **1 cup frozen mixed vegetables** (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
* **1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt**
* **1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara**
* **1 tsp Italian seasoning**
* **Salt and pepper to taste**
* **Optional:** chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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### Equipment

* Large skillet or frying pan
* 9×13-inch casserole dish
* Mixing bowl
* Spoon or spatula

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### Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

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### Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including juice) and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

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### Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Rice/Pasta

Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked rice or pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to heat everything through.

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### Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This adds creaminess and tang to the casserole.

Transfer the mixture into your casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

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### Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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### Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve warm and watch your family dive right in!

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## Why This Recipe Works So Well

This casserole recipe balances protein, veggies, carbs, and cheese to create a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. The creamy sour cream cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes, while the cheese adds a gooey finish that everyone loves.

Plus, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

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