Scatter Chopped Raw Celery Over Raw Crumbled Ground Beef — The Ultimate Cozy Casserole! 🥩🥬🔥
Looking for an easy, hearty dinner that turns simple ingredients into something incredibly comforting? This Ground Beef and Celery Casserole is a delicious old-fashioned style meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
The secret starts with a simple combination of raw crumbled ground beef and chopped celery. Add onions, creamy soup, seasonings, and a generous layer of melted cheese, then let the oven transform everything into a warm and satisfying casserole.
The celery adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor while the ground beef provides a hearty, savory base. As everything cooks together, the flavors blend beautifully into a comforting homemade dinner.
If you love easy ground beef casserole recipes, this is one you’ll want to save.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Celery Casserole
This recipe is simple, affordable, and perfect for feeding the family.
- 🥩 Hearty ground beef
- 🥬 Fresh chopped celery
- 🧅 Savory onions
- 🧀 Plenty of melted cheese
- 🍲 Creamy casserole texture
- ⏰ Easy preparation
- 💰 Budget-friendly ingredients
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
- 🔥 Perfect comfort food
- 🥘 Great for weeknight dinners
Ingredients
For this easy ground beef casserole, you’ll need:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
You can also add:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Crispy fried onions
How to Make Ground Beef and Celery Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Raw Ground Beef
Break the ground beef into small pieces and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
There’s no need to brown the beef first for this preparation.
However, make sure the beef is spread in a relatively even layer so it cooks consistently.
Step 3: Scatter the Chopped Celery
This is where the recipe gets its name.
Scatter the finely chopped raw celery evenly over the raw ground beef.
The celery releases moisture while cooking and adds a pleasant vegetable flavor to the casserole.
Step 4: Add the Onion
Sprinkle the diced onion over the celery and ground beef.
The onion will soften as the casserole cooks and add natural sweetness and savory flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, combine:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Beef broth
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
Stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the beef, celery, and onion.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
The cheese will melt during baking and create a delicious golden topping.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes.
Because the ground beef starts raw, cooking time can vary depending on how evenly the beef is distributed and the depth of the casserole.
The beef should be fully cooked and reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
Step 8: Finish Uncovered
Remove the foil during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking.
This allows excess moisture to evaporate and gives the cheese a chance to become beautifully melted and lightly golden.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven.
Allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to portion.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What Does Ground Beef and Celery Casserole Taste Like?
This casserole has a classic savory flavor with a creamy texture.
The ground beef provides a rich and hearty base.
Celery contributes a mild vegetable flavor, while onion and garlic add depth.
Cream of mushroom soup creates a creamy sauce that brings everything together.
Finally, cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy finish.
The result is a comforting casserole that’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a family gathering.
Do You Have to Brown the Ground Beef First?
No.
This particular preparation places the raw crumbled ground beef directly into the baking dish.
However, because the beef starts raw, it’s especially important to spread it evenly and verify that the center reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
If you prefer, you can brown the beef in a skillet first. This can add extra flavor and allows you to drain excess fat.
Why Add Raw Celery?
Celery is an inexpensive vegetable that works surprisingly well in baked casseroles.
When chopped finely and scattered over the ground beef, it softens during cooking and adds flavor throughout the dish.
It also provides a little texture and balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
Chop the Celery Finely
Small pieces soften more evenly and distribute throughout the casserole.
Use Lean or Medium Ground Beef
This helps prevent excessive grease from collecting in the baking dish.
Spread the Beef Evenly
An even layer helps the raw beef cook more consistently.
Cover During Most of the Baking
Covering the casserole helps retain moisture and allows the celery and onion to soften.
Check the Internal Temperature
Since the ground beef begins raw, use a food thermometer and make sure it reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let It Rest
A short resting period makes the casserole easier to serve.
Can I Add Rice?
Absolutely.
Adding cooked rice turns this into an even heartier meal.
Use approximately 1 cup of cooked rice and mix it into the creamy mixture before pouring it over the beef.
If you want to use uncooked rice, the amount of liquid and cooking time need to be adjusted, so cooked rice is the easier option.
Can I Add Potatoes?
Yes.
Thinly sliced potatoes can make this a complete one-dish dinner.
For more even cooking, slice them fairly thin or use partially cooked potatoes.
Can I Add Mushrooms?
Definitely.
Sliced mushrooms pair beautifully with ground beef, celery, onions, and cream of mushroom soup.
You can use fresh mushrooms or drained canned mushrooms.
Can I Use Ground Turkey?
Yes.
Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
Because turkey has a milder flavor, you may want to add a little extra garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce.
Make sure ground turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Absolutely.
Try:
- Cheddar
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
Cheddar gives the most classic comfort-food flavor.
Easy Variations
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Add cooked white rice and extra cheddar cheese.
Mushroom Beef Casserole
Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy, savory flavor.
Beef, Celery and Potato Bake
Add thinly sliced potatoes underneath the beef.
Spicy Ground Beef Casserole
Add diced jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese.
Beef and Vegetable Casserole
Add peas, carrots, corn, or green beans.
Crispy Onion Beef Casserole
Top the finished casserole with crispy fried onions during the final few minutes of baking.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Celery Casserole
Because this casserole is already hearty, simple sides work beautifully.
Try serving it with:
- 🥗 Green salad
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli
- 🥕 Roasted carrots
- 🫛 Green beans
- 🌽 Corn
- 🥖 Dinner rolls
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes
- 🥒 Cucumber salad
A fresh green salad is especially good alongside the rich, creamy casserole.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes.
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Because the ground beef is raw, keep it properly refrigerated and bake it within a safe timeframe.
When you’re ready to cook, place the casserole in the preheated oven.
If it is very cold from the refrigerator, it may require additional cooking time.
Always verify that the center reaches the appropriate safe temperature before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool promptly.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Enjoy within 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals.
For larger portions, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.
Adding a small splash of broth can help prevent the casserole from drying out.
Can You Freeze This Casserole?
Yes.
For best results, assemble the casserole without baking it and freeze it tightly covered.
Alternatively, freeze fully cooked leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Use within approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw ground beef directly into the casserole?
Yes. The ground beef can be spread directly into the baking dish, followed by the celery and remaining ingredients.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
No. Browning is optional. It can add extra flavor and allows you to drain excess fat, but the casserole can be prepared with raw crumbled beef.
What temperature should ground beef reach?
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey is an easy substitute, but it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I add rice?
Yes. Cooked rice is an excellent addition and makes the casserole even more filling.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Mushrooms pair very well with beef and creamy mushroom soup.
What cheese is best?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella also work.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble it, cover it, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.
Is this good for a potluck?
Yes. It’s hearty, easy to portion, and works well as a comforting casserole for gatherings.
Ground Beef and Celery Casserole Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom.
- Scatter the chopped celery over the beef.
- Add the diced onion.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the final 10–15 minutes.
- Check that the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Celery Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dinner.
By scattering chopped celery over raw crumbled ground beef and layering everything with creamy soup, savory seasonings, onions, and melted cheddar, you get a comforting baked meal with minimal preparation.
It’s affordable, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without complicated cooking.
Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls for a complete family meal.
If you love easy ground beef casseroles, old-fashioned comfort food, cheesy beef recipes, and simple family dinners, this recipe is definitely worth saving.
Save this cozy ground beef casserole for your next easy dinner! 🥩🥬🧀🔥
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This easy Ground Beef and Celery Casserole combines raw crumbled beef, chopped celery, creamy mushroom soup, onions, and cheddar for a comforting family dinner.