Ground Beef Casserole is one of the best comfort food recipes for family dinners. This hearty casserole combines savory seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and a creamy blend of sour cream and cream cheese, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It is a budget-friendly dinner idea that is both easy to make and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 package (8 ounces) egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more if desired)
Instructions
Brown the ground beef by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, then drain the excess grease. Stir in the garlic salt, regular salt, and tomato sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
While the beef sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a bowl, combine the diced onion, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Begin layering the casserole by placing half of the egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the sour cream and onion mixture over the noodles. Add half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef sauce.
Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this easy ground beef casserole as a delicious weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days.
Tips and Variations
You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. For extra flavor, season the beef with Italian herbs, paprika, or chili flakes.
Serving Ideas
Serve this ground beef casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great meal prep recipe.