Okay, so you’re looking for that *perfect* dish for your holiday table, right? Something that feels special enough for Christmas or Thanksgiving, but doesn’t have you chained to the stove all day? Well, let me tell you about this Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving. Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver! I remember the first time I made it – I was totally overwhelmed with holiday prep, and this casserole was a total game-changer. It’s got all those comforting, hearty flavors we love during the holidays, but it comes together so fast. It smells amazing while it bakes, and honestly, it’s become my go-to because it’s just SO darn delicious and never fails to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s your secret weapon for a stress-free holiday season! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
Quick and Effortless Preparation
Seriously, the prep time is a joke! You just chop a few things, brown some meat, and dump it all in a dish. It’s perfect when you’ve got a million other things to juggle during the holidays.
Perfect for Holiday Feasts
It’s hearty and comforting, which is exactly what you want on Christmas or Thanksgiving. It’s got that cozy vibe and pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even just a big salad. It’s a dish that just feels like home.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Trust me, everyone devours this! The savory beef, the hint of spice, and that gooey melted cheddar cheese? It’s a flavor combination that just works, and it’s picky-eater approved!
Ingredients for Your Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! You don’t need a fancy pantry for this holiday hero. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving absolutely sing:
- 1 pound ground beef, uncooked – make sure it’s good quality!
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – I like to chop it pretty small so it blends in nicely.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is best, but you can totally use the jarred stuff in a pinch.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – don’t drain these, that tomato liquid is flavor gold!
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed – gives it a nice heartiness.
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed tomato soup – this is like the magic binder!
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – just enough to give it a little warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – adds that subtle, earthy depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – flavor is personal, so season it up how you like it!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that glorious, bubbly topping.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Now, about these ingredients – I love them just as they are, but if you need to swap something out, no biggie! If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, pinto beans or even black beans work great. Some folks add a can of drained corn or some frozen peas for extra veggies – totally up to you! If you like things a bit spicier, definitely add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix. And that cheddar cheese? Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a touch of pepper jack would be delicious if you want to switch it up. It’s really forgiving, which is why I love it so much during the busy holidays!
How to Prepare Your Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving
Okay, getting this Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving ready is a breeze, honestly! It’s mostly just mixing and simmering, so you can totally do this while you’re prepping other things. Let’s get this deliciousness going!
Step 1: Preheating and Browning
First things first, get that oven going! You want it at 375 degrees F (that’s 190 C). While it’s heating up, grab a big skillet and toss in your ground beef. Brown it all up over medium heat. Once it’s all cooked through, make sure to drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Now, into that same skillet with the beef, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them down for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and soft and smell absolutely amazing. This step really wakes up the flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Here’s where it all comes together! Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, the rinsed kidney beans, and that can of condensed tomato soup. Then, add your chili powder and cumin for that little kick of warmth. Give it all a good stir, bring it to a simmer, and let it bubble away gently for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring now and then so nothing sticks. It’ll start looking and smelling like holiday comfort food!
Step 4: Assembling and Topping
Now, grab your baking dish – a 9×13 inch one is perfect. Pour that hearty, simmering mixture right into it. Spread it out evenly. Then comes the best part: sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Make sure you get it right to the edges so you get that gooey, cheesy crust everywhere!
Baking Your Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving
Now for the magic part – baking! Pop that cheesy-topped casserole into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. You’ll want to let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. What you’re looking for is that gorgeous, golden-brown bubbly cheese on top. It should look all melty and inviting. The edges of the casserole should also be simmering a bit. Once it’s looking like that, it’s pretty much ready to go. Oh, and just a little tip: let it sit for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set up a bit, so it’s not too runny when you serve it.
Serving Suggestions for This Easy Oven-Baked Casserole
This casserole is so hearty and satisfying on its own, but it really shines when you build a whole holiday meal around it! For your Christmas or Thanksgiving feast, I love serving it with some fluffy mashed potatoes – the gravy from the potatoes just melts right into the casserole. Some crusty bread is always a good idea too, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and some roasted green beans or sweet potato casserole round out the plate perfectly. It’s just a wonderfully comforting and complete meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving is just as good, if not better, the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave individual portions for a quick fix, or for the best results, pop a larger portion back into a 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s heated through and bubbly again. Sometimes I even add a tiny splash of water or broth before reheating to keep it extra moist. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving
Got some burning questions about this holiday favorite? I’ve got you covered! People always ask me if they can make it ahead, and the answer is a big YES! You can totally assemble the casserole (minus the cheese on top) up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as usual, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What about variations? Oh, you can totally play with this! If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, pinto or black beans are a great swap. Some people love adding a can of drained corn or some frozen peas for extra color and veggies. And if you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, just skip the ground beef and use an extra can of beans or some plant-based crumbles. It’s a super adaptable recipe for any holiday gathering. Does it make a lot? Yep, it usually serves about 6-8 people, which is perfect for most family meals.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a friendly heads-up that the nutritional info for this Easy Oven-Baked Casserole for Christmas, Thanksgiving is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you measure things. But, it gives you a general idea of what you’re working with for a hearty holiday dish!
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Easy Holiday Casserole: 1 Must-Try Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious oven-baked casserole perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato soup, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like corn or peas.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy casserole, oven baked, holiday recipe, Christmas, Thanksgiving, ground beef, comfort food