Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole

Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. This hearty casserole layers tender egg noodles with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, complemented by a creamy blend of sour cream and cream cheese.

Topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese, it bakes to perfection, creating a bubbling and golden crust. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal.

Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole

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

Instructions:

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.

Combine Ingredients:

Stir in the garlic salt, salt, and tomato sauce with the beef. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and cover.

Prepare the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to halt the cooking process.

Preheat and Prep the Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Mix Sour Cream Mixture:

In a bowl, blend together the diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer with half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy!

This casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family meal.

Notes:

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat. If using higher fat beef, be sure to drain the grease thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.

Tomato Sauce: For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality tomato sauce or even a blend of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes.

Noodles: Cooking the egg noodles just until al dente is important to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Rinsing them with cold water stops the cooking process and helps them hold their shape.

Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth texture in the sour cream mixture.

Layering: When layering, be sure to spread the layers evenly to ensure consistent flavor throughout the casserole.

Cheese: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cheddar cheese to your taste. You can also use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added flavor.

Baking Time: The baking time might vary based on your oven and the depth of the casserole dish. Check for a bubbly and golden top to indicate it’s done.

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble and freeze, then bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Garlic bread or rolls make excellent accompaniments.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.

The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, assemble it, and refrigerate it.

When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

Adjust the amount based on your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can use other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells.

Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños in the beef mixture.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use a meat substitute or add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free dairy products?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of sour cream and cream cheese, but the texture and richness of the casserole may be slightly different.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.