When I know the evening is going to be busy and I do not want to think about dinner once costumes, candy bowls, and the doorbell start taking over, this 5-Ingredient Spooky Night Supper is exactly the kind of low-effort meal I lean on. It is warm, savory, and cozy in that old-school casserole way, with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples layered into one pan and baked until bubbling and rich.
This is especially good with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. If you want to stretch it a little further for hungry kids and adults coming in from the cold, serve it with buttered toast, garlic bread, or even spoon it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
5-Ingredient Spooky Night Supper
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a metal roasting pan or 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir the pasta sauce and condensed cream of mushroom soup into the cooked beef until evenly combined and hot.
4. Add the tortellini and half of the mozzarella, then stir until the pasta is coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When dinner time gets close, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, then add a few extra minutes if needed since it is starting cold.
Protein swap: Ground turkey or Italian sausage both work well here. Sausage gives it a little more flavor with the same easy method, which is nice if you want the dish to feel a bit heartier without adding more ingredients.
Cheese adjustment: If you like an extra browned top, place the baked casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely. For a milder finish, use part mozzarella and part provolone.
Serving tip: This holds heat really well, which makes it great for Halloween night or any busy evening. I usually let it rest on the stove after baking so everyone can scoop out a hot bowl whenever there is a break between answering the door.
