Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless, no-fuss comfort dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way.

Layers of tender egg noodles, rich tomato-simmered beef, and a creamy sour cream–cream cheese blend bake into a hearty, cozy casserole that feels both familiar and deeply comforting.

Finished with melted Cheddar on top, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and made with love—just like the casseroles passed down through generations.

Why People Will Love This Ground Beef Casserole:

Pure comfort in every bite – Soft egg noodles, savory beef, and a creamy cheese layer come together to create a warm, nostalgic dish that feels like classic home cooking.

Rich, balanced flavor – The slow-simmered tomato sauce adds depth and gentle sweetness, perfectly balanced by tangy sour cream and smooth cream cheese.

Simple, affordable ingredients – Made with everyday pantry staples, this casserole delivers big flavor without being expensive or complicated.

Hearty and satisfying – With layers of pasta, protein, and cheese, it’s a filling meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Mild, familiar flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Perfect for make-ahead meals – Assemble it in advance and bake when needed, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Comfort food with nostalgic appeal – This recipe feels like a dish passed down through generations, bringing back memories of family dinners and cozy kitchens.

Customizable to taste – Easy to adapt with extra cheese, different seasonings, or added vegetables to suit your preferences.

Great leftovers – The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.

Key Ingredients

Ground beef – The hearty foundation of the casserole, browned until savory and rich, providing deep, satisfying flavor in every layer.

Egg noodles – Soft yet sturdy noodles that hold their shape during baking, creating comforting layers that soak up the sauce beautifully.

Tomato sauce – Slowly simmered with seasoning, it brings warmth, richness, and a gentle sweetness that ties the beef and pasta together.

White onion – Finely diced onion adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks, enhancing the savory base of the dish.

Sour cream – Contributes tanginess and creaminess, balancing the tomato sauce and keeping the casserole moist and luscious.

Cream cheese – Adds body and smooth richness, helping create a velvety, cohesive texture throughout the layers.

Sharp Cheddar cheese – Melted on top for a bold, savory finish that adds depth and irresistible golden color.

Garlic salt and salt – Simple seasonings that enhance the beef and tomato flavors without overpowering the dish.

White sugar – A small but important touch that softens the acidity of the tomato sauce and rounds out the overall flavor.

Expert Tips:

Brown the beef thoroughly – Let the ground beef cook until deeply browned and crumbly. Proper browning builds rich, savory flavor that carries through the entire casserole.

Drain excess grease carefully – Removing extra fat keeps the casserole from becoming greasy while still allowing the beef flavor to shine.

Simmer the sauce for depth – Giving the tomato sauce time to simmer with the beef allows the flavors to meld and mellow, creating a richer, more balanced base.

Cook noodles just to al dente – Slightly undercooking the noodles prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy after baking.

Soften cream cheese fully – Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly without lumps.

Mix the creamy layer well – Thoroughly combining the sour cream, cream cheese, and onion ensures even creaminess in every bite.

Layer evenly for consistent texture – Spreading each layer evenly helps the casserole bake uniformly and prevents dry spots.

Use sharp Cheddar for stronger flavor – Sharp cheese adds more depth and balances the richness of the creamy layers.

Let it rest before serving – Allowing the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

Add cheese generously if desired – Extra Cheddar on top creates a more indulgent, bubbly, golden crust.

Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)

1 large white onion, finely diced

8 ounces egg noodles (1 package)

2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 cup sour cream

1 package cream cheese (3 oz), softened

½ cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (or more, for extra cheesy topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Once fully browned and crumbly, drain off any excess grease.

Stir in the garlic salt, salt, sugar, and tomato sauce.

Mix well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Remove from heat and keep covered.

2. Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente.

Drain well, then rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Prepare the oven and casserole dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

4. Make the creamy mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese.

Stir until smooth and well blended.

5. Assemble the casserole

Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.

Spoon half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles, spreading to cover.

Add half of the beef mixture on top.

Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef.

6. Bake

Sprinkle the top generously with shredded Cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Scoop into portions and enjoy warm with a side salad or crusty bread.

Important Notes When Making Ground Beef Casserole:

This casserole is designed to be rich and comforting – The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Cheddar creates a creamy texture meant to be indulgent rather than light.

Tomato sauce consistency matters – Using standard canned tomato sauce works best; thicker sauces may need a splash of water to prevent dryness.

Do not skip draining the beef – Excess grease can separate during baking and affect both texture and flavor.

The onion softens during baking – Finely diced onion blends into the creamy layer as it bakes, adding flavor without a strong raw bite.

Rinsing the noodles is optional but helpful – A brief rinse stops carryover cooking and helps prevent sticking when layering.

The casserole thickens as it rests – Letting it sit for a few minutes after baking allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.

Salt levels vary by ingredient brand – Adjust seasoning carefully depending on whether your tomato sauce and cheese are salted.

Cheese coverage affects texture – A lighter cheese layer keeps the top soft, while extra cheese creates a firmer, bubbly crust.

Best enjoyed fresh or next day – The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers especially comforting.

Freezer-friendly with slight adjustments – For freezing, assemble without the Cheddar topping and add it fresh before baking.

How to Enjoy Ground Beef Casserole After Cooking

Let the casserole rest before serving
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers settle and makes serving cleaner while enhancing the overall flavor.

Serve warm, not piping hot
The creamy layers are best enjoyed when warm. Slight cooling allows the flavors to fully come through without overpowering heat.

Use a wide spatula for neat portions
A wide spatula helps lift complete layers of noodles, beef, and creamy filling for a satisfying presentation.

Pair with something fresh
Serve alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or lightly dressed greens to balance the richness of the casserole.

Add simple finishing touches
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add contrast and freshness.

Enjoy with bread on the side
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.

Make it a cozy, family-style meal
This casserole shines when served straight from the baking dish at the table, encouraging sharing and comfort.

Reheat gently for leftovers
Warm leftovers in the oven or microwave until just heated through to maintain the creamy texture.

Add moisture when reheating if needed
A small splash of milk or water helps loosen the layers if the casserole has thickened overnight.

Even better the next day
The flavors deepen after resting, making next-day servings especially rich and comforting.

Nutrition Information:

For this Ground Beef Casserole

(Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the casserole serves about 6 people.)

Calories: 480–520 kcal | Total Fat: 26–30 g | Saturated Fat: 13–15 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9–11 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5–2.5 g | Cholesterol: 95–110 mg | Sodium: 850–1,050 mg (depending on tomato sauce, cheese, and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 34–38 g | Dietary Fiber: 3–4 g | Sugars: 7–9 g | Protein: 26–30 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. For best results, freeze the assembled casserole without the Cheddar topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.

What’s the best ground beef to use for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (85–90%) works best. It provides plenty of flavor while producing less grease, which helps keep the casserole creamy rather than oily.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or spinach can be added to the beef mixture. Sauté vegetables first to remove excess moisture before layering.

Why does the casserole need to rest before serving?

Resting allows the layers to set, making the casserole easier to slice and helping the flavors fully come together.

Why should the beef sauce be simmered before assembling the casserole?

Simmering allows the tomato sauce, seasonings, and beef to fully meld, deepening flavor and reducing excess moisture so the casserole bakes up rich and cohesive instead of watery.

Should the noodles be rinsed after cooking?

A quick rinse is helpful if you’re assembling the casserole later, as it stops the cooking process and prevents sticking. If assembling immediately, rinsing is optional.

How soft should the noodles be before baking?

The noodles should be cooked just to al dente. They will continue to soften as the casserole bakes, so slightly firm noodles prevent a mushy texture.

Why is the cream cheese mixed separately instead of layered on its own?

Mixing cream cheese with sour cream and onion ensures even distribution of creaminess and prevents dense, uneven pockets in the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

The casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden on top, with the center heated through.