If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, this Ground Beef Casserole is going to become your cozy weeknight hero. It’s got everything you crave: tender noodles, savory beef, a creamy, tangy sauce, plenty of gooey cheese, and a golden, bubbly top. With familiar ingredients and just a few simple steps, this classic casserole fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy eaters. It’s a homey, crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Casserole comes together with humble kitchen staples, but each one plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the richness of the beef to the melting cheeses, every component is chosen to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Ground beef: The star of the show; look for 80/20 for the most flavor, but leaner beef works too if you prefer.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory base.
- Garlic (minced): Brings unmistakable fragrance and punch to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out every other ingredient’s best.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives warmth and a hint of the Mediterranean.
- Tomato sauce: Offers a tangy, saucy layer that ties the meat and noodles together.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Delivers the creamy richness that’s a hallmark of every good casserole.
- Sour cream: Provides tang and keeps things extra creamy—don’t skip it!
- Cooked egg noodles: Their soft, nest-like texture cradles every bite of saucy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a deliciously gooey, golden crown.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and mild creaminess to the cheese topping.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the finished dish with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes cleanup easier and ensures the casserole serves up beautifully, without sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Take a moment to break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks for the best texture. Once browned, drain off excess grease to keep your casserole just rich enough.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with your browned beef. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes—just until the onion softens and everything smells irresistible. Stir in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning right now to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes; this infuses the beef with that savory, tangy taste and helps the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Mix Noodles and Creamy Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Fold in the cooked egg noodles so every strand is luxuriously coated—this will create pockets of creamy goodness throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Spoon half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with half of the beef mixture, gently smoothing it out. Then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining noodles, beef, and the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses—every layer makes the final result a little crazier for cheese lovers.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole, uncovered, in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges. If you love a crispier top, you can broil it for an extra minute, but keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. It adds a flash of color and a hint of green, making your Ground Beef Casserole look as vibrant as it tastes. Serve it hot, straight from the dish—it’s hard to wait, but so worth it!
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this warm and hearty casserole. Fresh chopped parsley is the classic finishing move, but you can swap in sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. The green not only pops against the cheesy top but brings a light, herbaceous aroma that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Casserole is filling on its own, but adding simple sides takes your meal to the next level! Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli for balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a hit for sopping up any extra sauce. If you’re feeling cozy, roasted veggies are a wonderful match too.
Creative Ways to Present
While it’s fantastic “family style” straight from the oven, you can also play with presentation for special occasions. Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a more elegant feel, or top each serving with a dollop of extra sour cream or hot sauce. For potlucks or parties, consider serving squares on a platter with mini forks as easy finger food. However you serve it, Ground Beef Casserole always draws a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Ground Beef Casserole, consider yourself lucky! Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is just as delicious reheated for lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
This dish is a lifesaver for busy nights, so don’t be shy about prepping it in advance. You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole. Tightly wrap the casserole (right in its baking dish or in portions) with plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until piping hot and melty again (about 20–25 minutes if reheating the whole casserole). For faster results, microwave individual portions on medium-high until heated through. Add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating for an extra touch of creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully and lighten things up. You could even try a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian twist—just make sure to season well for maximum flavor.
What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead?
Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, set it out while the oven preheats and bake as usual, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if needed to heat through.
Can I add extra vegetables to my Ground Beef Casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach stirred into the beef mixture are wonderful ways to add veggies and sneak in extra colors and nutrients. Just sauté any extra vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
What noodles work best if I can’t find egg noodles?
Egg noodles are great for their texture, but you can easily substitute rotini, penne, or even wide fettuccine. Just cook the pasta until al dente before assembling the casserole to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
How do I keep my casserole from getting watery?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the beef and avoid overcooking your noodles. If your tomato sauce or veggies seem watery, simmer them a bit longer to reduce excess liquid before assembling the casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s nostalgic, simple, and practically guaranteed to please, you can’t go wrong with this Ground Beef Casserole. Warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor, it’s everything comfort food should be. Make it once, and you’ll soon be calling it your favorite too—so gather your ingredients and dig in!
Print
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, tender egg noodles, and gooey cheese come together to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Yellow Onion (diced):
1 small
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
½ teaspoon
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Tomato Sauce:
1 (15-ounce) can
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
1 (10.5-ounce) can
Sour Cream:
1 cup
Cooked Egg Noodles:
2 cups
Cheddar Cheese (shredded):
1 ½ cups
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded):
½ cup
Fresh Parsley (chopped):
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine tomato sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare noodle mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Add the cooked egg noodles and stir to coat.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the noodle mixture in the baking dish, then layer with half of the beef mixture and cheddar cheese. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *