Introduction
Some dishes just feel like home. For me, Ground Beef Casserole is one of those heartwarming, family-style dinners that instantly brings back memories of my mom’s kitchen — the savory aroma of beef and garlic wafting through the house, the sound of bubbling cheese in the oven, and that first comforting bite after a long day.
This casserole is everything you want in comfort food — hearty, cheesy, creamy, and deeply satisfying, all wrapped up in one easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you just want a meal that loves you back.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps, familiar ingredients, and dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Family-Approved: Even the picky eaters will ask for seconds!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Perfect: This casserole freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or pasta shapes.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine layers of tender egg noodles coated in a creamy blend of sour cream and cream cheese, nestled under a rich, tomatoey beef sauce, and topped with bubbling sharp cheddar. The result? A perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory — every bite a warm hug in casserole form.
Benefits of This Recipe
✅ Made from simple pantry staples
✅ Feeds a crowd or makes amazing leftovers
✅ Perfect for freezer storage
✅ Kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 package (8 oz.) egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white sugar
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Whisk or wooden spoon
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Add vegetables: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Switch the meat: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Change up the pasta: Rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni work well.
- Experiment with cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella melt beautifully for a creamier twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, garlic salt, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble:
- Spread half the noodles in the casserole dish.
- Layer with half of the creamy mixture.
- Add half of the beef sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with beef sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is rich and filling, so keep sides simple:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Slightly underdone pasta holds up best in the oven.
- Mix cheeses for depth — try half cheddar, half mozzarella.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of milk to the cream cheese mixture.
- Freeze before baking: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
General Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes — any medium pasta shape like penne, rotini, or fusilli works perfectly.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty meat-free version.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole is more than just dinner — it’s a delicious reminder that comfort can come from the simplest of ingredients. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking your freezer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
💛 If you try this dish, don’t forget to leave a review below or share a photo on Pinterest — I’d love to see your cozy casserole creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
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