Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’ll have the whole family asking for seconds? Say hello to Confetti Casserole – a quick and colorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. This recipe combines ground beef, creamy cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a colorful mix of veggies – all baked together with a crunchy corn chip topping. It’s a fun twist on the classic casserole that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Best of all, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. So, whether you’re feeding the kids, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a laid-back dinner with friends, this Confetti Casserole will be the dish they remember.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground hamburger 🥩
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped 🧅
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 🌱
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar 🍯
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened) 🧀
- 8 oz. tomato sauce 🍅
- 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.) 🌽🥕
- 1/2 cup potatoes, diced 🥔
- Corn chips (crushed) for topping 🌽
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Brown your ground hamburger and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep it light and healthy.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
To the browned meat, stir in the salt, pepper, dry mustard, and brown sugar. Mix everything together and let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Now, add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the meat and veggies. This is where the magic happens – it will get rich and creamy!
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Veggies
Once the cream cheese is melted and smooth, stir in the tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes. You can use any frozen mixed veggies you like, but the traditional peas, carrots, and corn are always a hit. Let this mixture heat through for a few minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and make sure the mixture is nicely smoothed out. Now for the fun part – topping it off with crushed corn chips! Generously sprinkle the chips over the top of the casserole. This adds that perfect, crunchy texture that takes the casserole to the next level.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the chips on top. The casserole will be bubbling and golden brown when it’s ready.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness with your loved ones! This casserole is best served hot and is perfect for a hearty family meal.
If you loved this easy and delicious recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook! Confetti Casserole is a fun, simple dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this casserole is the perfect choice. Don’t forget to pin it to your recipe board so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal!
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Confetti Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. If it’s cold from the fridge, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.
Q: What can I substitute for the ground beef?
A: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or a veggie burger crumble. It’s a versatile recipe, and the flavors will still shine through.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to cook evenly in the casserole.
Q: Can I use a different kind of chips for the topping?
A: Sure! While corn chips are traditional, you can use any crunchy chips you like – tortilla chips, nacho cheese chips, or even crushed pretzels for a fun twist!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or in the oven for a quick meal the next day!
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
Enjoy your colorful, comforting meal and be sure to share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🌈👩🍳
Confetti Casserole: The Colorful, Easy Dinner Everyone Will Love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground hamburger 🥩
- 1/4 cup onion chopped 🧅
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 🌱
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar 🍯
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened 🧀
- 8 oz. tomato sauce 🍅
- 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, etc. 🌽🥕
- 1/2 cup potatoes diced 🥔
- Corn chips crushed for topping 🌽
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Brown your ground hamburger and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep it light and healthy.
- Step 2: Add the Flavor
- To the browned meat, stir in the salt, pepper, dry mustard, and brown sugar. Mix everything together and let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese
- Now, add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the meat and veggies. This is where the magic happens – it will get rich and creamy!
- Step 4: Add the Sauce and Veggies
- Once the cream cheese is melted and smooth, stir in the tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes. You can use any frozen mixed veggies you like, but the traditional peas, carrots, and corn are always a hit. Let this mixture heat through for a few minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer everything into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and make sure the mixture is nicely smoothed out. Now for the fun part – topping it off with crushed corn chips! Generously sprinkle the chips over the top of the casserole. This adds that perfect, crunchy texture that takes the casserole to the next level.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the chips on top. The casserole will be bubbling and golden brown when it’s ready.
- Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness with your loved ones! This casserole is best served hot and is perfect for a hearty family meal.