Ground Beef Summer Squash Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 35 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
My daughter, a home economist, serves the garden-fresh casserole at church functions in summer when squash is at its best. It's a good main dish for lunch or dinner.—Rose Duggins, Massie Louisa, Virginia

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 to 6 medium yellow summer squash, chopped (about 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • SAUCE:
  • 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a skillet, cook beef, squash and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Add bread crumbs, salt, pepper and thyme; mix well and set aside. In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the flour and salt until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in cheese until melted. In a greased 11x7-in. baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture and cheese sauce; repeat layers. Melt the remaining butter and toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over cheese sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare Summer Squash Bake up to 24 hours in advance, cover and chill. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.