Ground beef casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Made with seasoned ground beef, pasta or potatoes, cheese, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce, it’s a versatile meal that can be customized to suit different tastes.
Many recipes include vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. The casserole is typically baked until bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious, cheesy topping.
It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great choice for meal planning. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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
1 lb. ground beef
½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white sugar
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic salt, salt, and tomato sauce. Mix until well combined, then simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and cover.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
Layer half of the noodles in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half of the sour cream mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
Sprinkle the top generously with Cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
1. Veggie-Packed:
Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture while it simmers.
2. Spicy Kick:
Use hot tomato sauce or stir in crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños.
3. Protein Swap:
Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
4. Noodle Options:
Substitute egg noodles with rotini, penne, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
5. Sauce Twist:
Use one can of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes for more texture and a slightly chunkier sauce.
6. Herby Flavor:
Add dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture for a more classic Italian vibe.
7. Cheesy Upgrade:
Mix mozzarella or provolone into the cheddar topping for a gooey, stretchy finish.
8. Tex-Mex Style:
Add taco seasoning to the beef, swap cream cheese for a can of green chiles and add black beans or corn.
Tips
Soften cream cheese first for easier mixing into the sour cream and onions.
Rinse noodles with cold water to stop cooking and keep them from getting mushy in the oven.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so the layers hold together better when serving.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen and add 15–20 extra minutes.
Double and split: Make a double batch and freeze one in a disposable foil pan for an easy future dinner.
Per Serving (1/8 of casserole):
Calories: ~430–480 kcal
Protein: ~23–27g
Carbohydrates: ~30–35g
Sugar: ~6–8g
Fat: ~24–28g
Saturated Fat: ~11–13g
Cholesterol: ~75–90mg
Sodium: ~700–850mg
Fiber: ~2–3g
Calcium: ~150–200mg
Key Nutritional Notes:
High in protein from the beef, cheese, and sour cream.
Moderate carbs from noodles and tomato sauce.
Rich and filling, but can be high in fat and sodium—use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or leaner beef to lighten it up.
Adding veggies increases fiber and nutrients without adding many calories.