There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, bubbling casserole straight out of the oven. This Ground Beef Casserole is a perfect marriage of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender noodles—all layered together to create a comfort food dish the whole family will love. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and hearty enough to serve guests or bring to a potluck.
In this recipe, the tangy tomato sauce balances out the richness of sour cream and cream cheese, while shredded cheddar gives it that familiar baked casserole top we all crave. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, this dish is simple to make and guaranteed to please.
Ingredients List
To make this easy beef casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 package (8 oz.) egg noodles
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess grease to avoid an oily casserole.
2. Simmer with Sauce
Stir in the garlic salt, salt, white sugar, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles
While the beef mixture simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente (about 6–8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
5. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a mixing bowl, stir together the diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
6. Assemble the Casserole
In the greased casserole dish:
- Layer half of the cooked noodles on the bottom.
- Spread half of the sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Spoon half of the beef and tomato mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, sour cream mixture, and the remaining beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the top generously with shredded Cheddar cheese.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
8. Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and meaty layers!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
- Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess fat keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it mix more easily with the sour cream.
- Go Heavy on the Cheese: Add extra cheese on top for a gooey, bubbly crust.
- Customize It: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Info (Approx. Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs About Ground Beef Casserole
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
Q: Is there a lighter version of this casserole?
A: Yes. Use ground turkey or lean beef, low-fat cream cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are all excellent pairings.
Q: Can I freeze it before baking?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a dish. With layers of tender noodles, rich tomato-beef sauce, and velvety cheese, it’s easy to see why this dish is a staple in many homes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning weeknight dinners, this casserole delivers every time. Try it once and it’s sure to become part of your family’s comfort food rotation.