This bubbling, cheesy casserole is the kind of easy summer cookout favorite that disappears fast. With just 3 main ingredients, it’s rich, savory, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy.

Servings: 8–10
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional: Salt and black pepper to taste

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 Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Cook until no longer pink.

Drain excess grease.

2. Combine

Add the drained diced tomatoes to the cooked beef.

Stir well to combine.

Taste and add a little salt and black pepper if desired.

3. Assemble

Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar 2-quart baking dish.

Spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly into the dish.

Cover generously with the shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.

For a more golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

5. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Scoop it warm and serve with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted bread, or as a filling for tacos.

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 Tips for the Best 3-Ingredient Bake

• Drain the tomatoes well so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
• Use 80/20 ground beef for a richer, juicier result, or leaner beef for a lighter version.
• Freshly shredded cheddar melts especially well.
• For a stronger flavor, use sharp cheddar.
• Don’t overbake—the casserole is ready once the cheese is melted and bubbling.

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 Nut & Allergy Information

Nuts

No nuts are required in this recipe.

Contains

• Milk/dairy: cheddar cheese

Naturally gluten-free

The three basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of canned tomatoes and shredded cheese for additives or cross-contact warnings if preparing this for someone with celiac disease or a serious allergy.

Egg-free

Yes, the basic recipe contains no eggs.

Nut-free

Yes, the basic recipe contains no nuts. For a severe nut allergy, check packaged ingredient labels for facility/cross-contact warnings.

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❓ Q&A

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the casserole will have a lighter flavor.

Can I use mozzarella?

Yes. Mozzarella gives you a very stretchy, mild cheese topping. A cheddar-mozzarella combination is also delicious.

Can I use regular diced tomatoes?

Absolutely. If you don’t want the heat from tomatoes with green chilies, use regular diced tomatoes.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Use tomatoes with green chilies, or add jalapeños or crushed red pepper.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going directly from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

How should I reheat it?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

What should I serve with it?

For a cookout, serve it with tortilla chips, fresh cucumber salad, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I turn it into a dip?

Yes! Bake until bubbling and serve immediately with sturdy tortilla chips. The cheesy beef mixture makes an excellent hot party dip.