Saucy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

A hearty, flavorful casserole with a cheesy biscuit topping — simple ingredients, big comfort factor.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 6–8

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef Base:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 medium zucchini, shredded & water squeezed out

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp dried marjoram (optional)

• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed tomato soup

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)

• ½ tsp salt

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp cream of tartar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream

• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef Base

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add shredded zucchini, onion, garlic, and marjoram. Cook until vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in salsa, tomato soup, corn, and salt. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.

4. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

3️⃣ Make the Biscuit Topping

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and garlic powder.

2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk until just combined (do not overmix).

4️⃣ Assemble & Bake

• Spread biscuit topping evenly over beef mixture.

• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until topping is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the zucchini.

• Spicy Kick: Use medium or hot salsa, or stir in ½ tsp chili flakes.

• Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.

If you want, I can also make you a freezer-friendly version of this casserole with prep-ahead instructions so it’s ready for busy nights. Would you like me to do that next?