If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings together all the best qualities of home-cooked comfort, look no further than this Ground Beef Casserole. Hearty, cheesy, endlessly adaptable, and brimming with nostalgia, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a busy weeknight or seeking the ultimate in cozy family dinners, this casserole delivers pure satisfaction with minimal fuss, and it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that definitely won’t last long at the table!

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this Ground Beef Casserole serves a special purpose, from boosting savory flavor to creating creamy, melty goodness. These straightforward ingredients work together beautifully to deliver a crave-worthy main dish that’s both simple to shop for and prepare:

1 lb ground beef: The backbone of the casserole, it provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying heartiness.
1 onion, diced: For subtle sweetness and depth, and it sautés down to practically melt into the sauce.
1 can cream of mushroom soup: Shortcut to creamy texture and umami flavor, making the sauce irresistibly smooth.
½ cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, helping balance the richness and keep things luscious.
1 cup shredded cheddar: The finishing touch of melty, sharp flavor—don’t be shy with the cheese!
2 cups cooked egg noodles: Tender noodles soak up every bit of savory sauce for the ultimate comfort bite.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning both the beef and the finished casserole to taste.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While this may seem simple, getting things up to temperature ensures your casserole will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful bubbly finish on top.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Don’t rush this part—browning brings proper flavor, and the onion will practically disappear into the mix, leaving behind wonderful sweetness.

Step 3: Stir in Soup and Sour Cream

Once your beef mixture is ready, stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. This combination is what transforms everything into creamy, craveable comfort. You want everything fully combined—you’ll immediately see that luscious, velvety texture transform right before your eyes!

Step 4: Mix with Noodles

Fold in your cooked egg noodles, being gentle so they don’t break. The noodles will soak up some of the sauce, binding the casserole together while still keeping it soft and moist.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese

Pour the noodle-beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top—this guarantees melty, golden goodness in every forkful.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble, and the whole thing will become piping hot and irresistibly aromatic. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for the cleanest slices.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Dressing up your casserole is part of the fun! Sprinkle on sliced green onions or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A few extra cracks of black pepper or even a pinch of paprika can add a lovely visual contrast and a touch of spice.

Side Dishes

This casserole is immensely filling on its own, but it plays so well with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness of the sides balances the rich, savory heart of the Ground Beef Casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or top with crunchy fried onions just before serving for a playful, crowd-pleasing twist. For potlucks, bake it in a disposable foil pan for easy sharing and cleanup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone’s had their fill, transfer any remaining Ground Beef Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for delicious leftovers that are just as satisfying.

Freezing

This casserole is perfect for freezing! Assemble (but don’t bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through—about 20 minutes. For single servings, microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway through so everything gets evenly hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully and will take on the same flavors and textures as beef. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as leaner meats may need a bit more salt and spice.

Is it possible to make this Ground Beef Casserole gluten free?

Yes! Swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your soup is certified gluten-free. Everything else stays the same, so you can keep the dish’s classic character.

What vegetables can I add to customize the casserole?

Peas, mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers are all fantastic additions. Stir them in with the noodles and sauce for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

Can this be made ahead for busy weeknights?

Definitely! Simply assemble your Ground Beef Casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When dinner time rolls around, pop it in the oven and bake as directed—it couldn’t be easier!

How do I know when the casserole is done?

It’s finished when the cheese is completely melted, the casserole is hot and bubbling at the edges, and the top is slightly golden. Let it sit a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Ground Beef Casserole enough—there’s just something magical about its blend of rich, simple flavors and foolproof, family-friendly preparation. Give it a try and you might just find it becomes your new go-to comfort meal for life’s coziest moments!