ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the beef.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Next, add the corn (drained, if canned), and the browned beef mixture to the bowl. Stir to incorporate everything, and then fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the mixture, making it extra creamy and delicious.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef and corn mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that the mixture fills the dish.
Step 4: Add the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are coated in butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The buttery crackers will crisp up as they bake, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. If you like your topping extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness.
Why This Recipe Is So Irresistible
- Flavor-packed: The combination of ground beef, sweet corn, creamy soup, and cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The addition of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami, while the garlic powder and black pepper bring the right amount of seasoning.
- Comfort food at its finest: This casserole is hearty and filling, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, family gatherings, or any time you want something warm and satisfying.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: This recipe doesn’t rely on fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. It uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to prepare any time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole by adding other ingredients like green peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans or lentils.
- Perfect for leftovers: This casserole makes excellent leftovers. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Tips for Success
- Use a leaner ground beef if you want to make the dish a little lighter. However, using a higher fat content beef will provide a richer flavor and texture.
- If you want to make this dish even more decadent, try mixing in some cream cheese with the sour cream for extra creaminess.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time! Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge).
- For an extra crispy topping, try sprinkling a bit of shredded Parmesan over the crackers before baking. It will add a nice golden finish to the top!
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
What’s truly amazing about this recipe is its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed winner. The combination of familiar ingredients, easy preparation, and unbeatable flavor will have everyone asking for the recipe, just as I did when my Nebraska friend shared it with me.
It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and crunchy that will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds! It’s the kind of recipe that just feels like home.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and impressively easy, make sure to give this Nebraska-inspired casserole a try. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did—and it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
My Nebraska friend’s recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined in just the right way, can create something extraordinary. This beef and corn casserole is a perfect dish for any occasion, and I can’t wait for you to try it. The next time you need a dish that’s going to earn rave reviews, this is your go-to. It’s truly to die for!
ADVERTISEMENT
