Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Ground Beef Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor that will leave your family asking for seconds. Combining seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, tender egg noodles, and a golden cheesy topping, this dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
What sets this casserole apart is its balance of textures and flavors. The savory beef mixture, simmered with tomato sauce and seasonings, pairs beautifully with the creamy sour cream and cream cheese layer. Egg noodles serve as the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious juices while staying soft and tender. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, this dish bakes to bubbly, golden perfection, making it irresistible from the first bite.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy cooks who still want to serve a home-cooked meal. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
- 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. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Stir in garlic salt , salt , and tomato sauce . Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced onion , sour cream , and cream cheese . Stir until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top the noodles with half of the sour cream mixture , spreading it out evenly.
- Add half of the beef mixture on top of the sour cream layer.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top.
5. Bake and Serve
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Layers: Each component—savory beef, creamy sauce, tender noodles, and gooey cheese—brings something special to the dish.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extras like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s a great option for meal prep!
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of meat, noodles, and cheese makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Options: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Its creamy layers, savory beef, and cheesy topping create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love! ❤️
