Sometimes, the week just drifts away and suddenly it’s dinnertime with no grand plans. That’s when I turn to dishes like this Beef Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day—rich layers of savory meats and gooey cheese, all nestled in a creamy sauce and topped with buttery crackers baked to a perfect golden crunch.
I remember one evening, the day slipping past with me distracted by a half-finished book and a phone buzzing quietly in the background. The smell of sizzling beef and chicken filled the kitchen, mingling with the scent of melting Swiss cheese. I was chopping ham and wondering if I’d cut those cubes too big or too small—somewhere in the middle, I guess. Then, as the sauce thickened on the stove, my mind wandered to the last time I had chicken cordon bleu at a restaurant, realizing this casserole somehow captured that same indulgence but with a homemade, cozy twist that felt just right for a casual night in.
It’s a dish that doesn’t fuss too much but rewards you with comfort and satisfaction. The kind of meal where you don’t worry about fancy plating; you just dive in, spoon after spoon, and maybe sneak a little extra from the serving dish when no one’s looking.
- Combines the nostalgic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with the heartiness of ground beef, creating a new family favorite.
- The creamy sauce balances richness with subtle hints of thyme and mustard, giving it a gentle complexity.
- The crunchy cracker topping adds texture but requires a little attention so it doesn’t brown too quickly—worth the wait though.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just layers of good, familiar flavors coming together.
- Feeds a crowd easily, but leftovers hold up nicely in the fridge for a couple of days.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about mixing beef and chicken, don’t be. It works surprisingly well, blending textures and tastes into something comforting and unexpected. Just trust the process and maybe set a timer for the topping—you’ll want that golden crunch without any burnt bits.
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Beef Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and delicious casserole combining the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with ground beef, layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz crackers)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In the same skillet, add the cubed chicken breasts. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. Add the cooked chicken to the bowl with the ground beef.
Add the diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the meat mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the sauce over the meat and cheese mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a sturdy casserole dish that can go from stovetop to oven without worry. Serving this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies feels right—something fresh to cut through the richness. Sometimes, I swap out the ham for turkey or even bacon bits when I’m in a pinch, but I haven’t tested all those versions enough to say if one is better than the other. And if you want extra cheese on top, go ahead; it never hurts to have more melted cheese around. Just keep an eye on the bake time when you add layers so nothing dries out.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it a few hours before baking. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Is it freezer-friendly? I don’t recommend freezing since the creamy sauce might separate when thawed, leading to a different texture.
Can I use other cheeses? Swiss and mozzarella are traditional here, but feel free to experiment with what you have. Just remember it’s those melty, mild cheeses that work best.
Ready to make dinner something to look forward to? Save this recipe, print it out, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, comforting meal that’s just as satisfying on a busy weeknight as it is on a slow Sunday. You’ll be glad you did.