Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to cozy, family-friendly meals, nothing beats a classic Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavors that remind you of home. This dish combines tender egg noodles, a creamy sour cream and cream cheese layer, savory ground beef simmered in tomato sauce, and, of course, a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese.

I first tasted this casserole at a church potluck, where someone had brought a giant tray of it still bubbling hot from the oven. The smell alone—beef, cheese, and tangy tomato—was enough to make everyone gather around the table. One bite and I was hooked: it was creamy, cheesy, and filling, with just the right balance of flavors.

The beauty of casseroles is their simplicity. You can prepare them ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for later. They’re also versatile—swap the beef for turkey, add veggies, or use different cheeses. This Ground Beef Casserole quickly became a staple in my own kitchen, and I guarantee it will in yours too.

If you love classic comfort food, you’ll also enjoy this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe—another hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole

• 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

Directions for Ground Beef Casserole

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic salt, salt, tomato sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes, then cover to keep warm.

2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.

3. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

4. Make the Creamy Layer: In a mixing bowl, stir together diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

5. Assemble Layers: Spread half of noodles in the casserole dish. Add half of the sour cream mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining noodles, cream mixture, and beef.

6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top (use more if you like it extra cheesy).

7. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations: Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for extra gooey goodness.

• Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the beef mixture.

• Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

• Pairing Idea: Serve with this refreshing Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad for a light, crisp side.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 325°F until hot and bubbly.

• Best Tip: Bake slightly under, cool, then freeze—when reheated, it tastes freshly baked.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes (including simmer & baking)

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Servings: 8 portions

Tools Used

• Large skillet

• Large pot

• 9×13-inch casserole dish

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon & spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I make Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Q2: Can I use other pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even macaroni work well.

Q3: How do I make this casserole lighter?
Use reduced-fat sour cream, light cream cheese, and lean ground turkey.

Final Thoughts: Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or potluck gatherings. The layers of noodles, creamy sauce, beef, and cheese make every bite comforting and nostalgic.

If you’re craving more homestyle inspiration, check out Delish’s casserole recipes. You’ll find endless variations to make your dinner rotation both easy and exciting.