Name: Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce; 1 large white onion, diced; 8 oz egg noodles; 1 cup sour cream; 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

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

A hearty and comforting casserole layered with egg noodles, creamy cheese mixtures, and savory ground beef in tomato sauce—baked until bubbly and topped with melted sharp Cheddar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, satisfying, and assembled in layers for seamless comfort food
Combines savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy sour cream filling, and melty cheese
Easy to make with pantry-friendly staples and minimal prep
Familiar flavors in casserole form, perfect for family dinners or meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 large white onion, diced
8 oz egg noodles (1 package)
1 cup sour cream
3 oz package cream cheese
1 lb ground beef
½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (more to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar

Directions

1. Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic salt, salt, and tomato sauce. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

2. Prepare the Noodles

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
Cook egg noodles until al dente, about 5–6 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.

3. Preheat Oven & Combine Cream

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Grease a 9×13‑inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, stir together diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

4. Layer the Casserole

Place half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
Add half of the ground beef–tomato sauce mixture on top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef mixture.

5. Add Cheese & Bake

Generously sprinkle shredded Cheddar on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are slightly crisp.

6. Rest & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Feeds about 6–8
Prep Time: ~15 minutes (browning beef, boiling noodles, mixing)
Cook Time: ~25 minutes (plus simmering and baking)
Total Time: ~45–50 minutes

Variations

Vegetable boost: Stir in cooked bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the beef.
Cheese upgrade: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix for creamier texture.
Spice it up: Add chili powder, cumin, or hot sauce to beef mixture for heat.
Cream cheese alternatives: Use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt for lower fat.
Stovetop version: Skip baking; layer in a skillet and simmer with cheese melted on top.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 °F for 10–15 minutes or heat individual servings in the microwave until hot.
Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes—they are excellent substitutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. Can I add fresh herbs?

Yes—finely chopped parsley, basil, or oregano work nicely in the sour cream mixture or beef sauce.

3. What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can use plain Greek yogurt or a béchamel-style sauce in its place.

4. How do I prevent soggy noodles?

Rinsing noodles with cold water stops residual cooking and helps them maintain texture under the sauce.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—assemble in the casserole dish, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready (add a few extra minutes if chilled).

6. Does the sugar matter?

The small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhances depth of flavor.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—double ingredients and bake in two dishes, or use a very large baking dish.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written—use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free to adapt.

9. Can I make a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar alternatives to make this recipe vegan or lactose-free.

10. What sides go well with this casserole?

Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or roasted Brussel sprouts for a full meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and convenient all-in-one meal—layers of noodles, creamy cheese blend, and hearty beef sauce topped with melted Cheddar. With approachable ingredients and steps, it’s a satisfying family dinner or batch meal that delivers flavor and warmth in every bite.