This homestyle ground beef casserole is an easy, hearty dinner that brings together seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, creamy egg noodles, and plenty of melted cheese. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough to serve when you want something warm, filling, and family-friendly. The noodles are mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, parsley, and green onions, then layered with a savory beef and tomato mixture before being topped with Colby Jack, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella. Once baked, the casserole comes out golden, bubbly, and delicious.
If you are looking for a dependable ground beef casserole recipe, this one is a great option. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together in straightforward steps, and makes a satisfying meal without much fuss. The tomato sauce gives the beef a deep, savory flavor, while the creamy noodle layer keeps the casserole rich and comforting.
This is the kind of baked dinner that both kids and adults can enjoy. It is cheesy, creamy, and full of familiar flavors. Serve it with a simple salad, bread, or your favorite vegetable side for a complete meal.
GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE
There are a few reasons this ground beef casserole works so well as an easy dinner recipe.
- It is easy. Cook the noodles, mix the creamy sauce, sauté the vegetables, brown the beef, layer everything together, add cheese, and bake.
- It is full of flavor. The ground beef is cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- It is budget-friendly. Egg noodles, canned tomatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese help turn one pound of ground beef into a filling casserole.
If you are tired of making the same ground beef recipes, this casserole is a delicious way to change things up. It has layers of texture and flavor: tender noodles, creamy cheese sauce, juicy tomatoes, seasoned beef, and a bubbly cheese topping.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE
The ingredient list may look long at first, but the recipe is very simple. Prepare the noodles and cheese mixture first, cook the beef and vegetables next, then assemble and bake. Having everything measured and chopped before you begin makes the process even easier.
PREP YOUR INGREDIENTS
Cook the egg noodles in salted water and drain them well. Dice the onions and red bell peppers, mince the garlic, and have the seasonings ready. Combine the shredded Colby Jack and sharp cheddar in one bowl, and keep the mozzarella separate for the final topping.
1. EGG NOODLES
Start by making the creamy noodle mixture. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and sliced green onions to a medium bowl. The cream cheese should be soft so it blends smoothly with the sour cream.
Whisk the mixture until combined. A few tiny bits of cream cheese are fine, but avoid leaving large chunks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the green onions if you have not already added them.
Add the drained egg noodles to the cream cheese mixture.
Mix until the noodles are evenly coated. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the beef and tomato layer.
VEGETABLES
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onions and red bell peppers, then sauté for a few minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant.
GROUND BEEF
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned, then drain the excess grease and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and any additional salt and pepper needed to taste.
Stir until everything is well combined. The tomato paste thickens the sauce, while the diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it to a bowl if you plan to assemble the casserole in the same skillet.
If the skillet has residue, wipe it out carefully with a paper towel, then lightly grease it with a little vegetable oil. You can also assemble the casserole in a baking dish instead of a skillet.
PREP HOMESTYLE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE
Spread the creamy egg noodle mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared skillet or baking dish. Spoon the ground beef and tomato mixture over the noodles and spread it as evenly as possible. It is fine if a few noodles around the edges are not fully covered.
Sprinkle the combined Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses over the beef layer. Finish with the shredded mozzarella. Add extra cheese if you prefer a thicker, cheesier topping.
BAKE
Tent foil over the skillet or baking dish so it does not press directly onto the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Watch closely while broiling because the topping can brown quickly.
SERVE THE CASSEROLE
Top the casserole with sliced green onions if desired. Let it sit briefly, then slice and serve warm. A simple side salad and ciabatta bread go well with this creamy ground beef casserole.
CAN GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE BE MADE IN ADVANCE?
Yes, this ground beef casserole can be prepared in advance. If you plan to refrigerate it before baking, use a baking dish rather than a cast iron skillet. Assemble the noodle layer and beef layer as directed, but do not add the shredded cheese and do not bake it yet.
Cover the casserole and refrigerate it. When you are ready to bake, add the cheeses, cover loosely with foil, and place it in the oven.
Because the casserole will be cold from the refrigerator, add about 15 minutes to the baking time. Broil only after the casserole is hot and the cheese has melted.
VARIATIONS
You can adjust this homestyle ground beef casserole to suit your taste. If you do not want to use ground beef, try ground sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken. You can also add different vegetables or use macaroni instead of egg noodles. If using macaroni, use 2 cups. For the topping, choose cheeses you enjoy, but keep the mozzarella if you want a stretchy, melted finish.
When you are craving comfort food, this easy ground beef casserole is a reliable choice. It is creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
April Boller Wright
Ingredients
For the noodles
- 4 cups egg noodles cooked in salted water and drained
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan plus an additional 1/8 cup, if desired
- 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Casserole
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz diced petite tomatoes do not drain
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 1/8 tsp seasoning salt more or less to taste
Shredded cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese block cheese preferred
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese block cheese preferred
- 1 3/4 cup mozzarella whole milk mozzarella was used
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine the Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Set aside. Keep the mozzarella separate.
Egg Noodles
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In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and green onions. Mix until mostly smooth. Add the cooked egg noodles and stir until coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
Beef
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain the grease, then return the beef to the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Stir until evenly combined.
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Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl if using the same skillet for baking, or lightly grease a baking dish and assemble the casserole there.
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Lightly grease the skillet or baking dish. Spread the noodle mixture evenly in the bottom. Top with the ground beef mixture and spread it evenly. Add the Colby Jack and sharp cheddar mixture, then top with mozzarella. Add extra cheese if desired.
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Tent foil over the skillet or baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and set the oven to broil. Keep the oven door cracked so you can watch the casserole closely. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
TIPS TO MAKE THIS GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE
The cream cheese mixture should be mostly smooth. Tiny bits are fine, but large chunks should be whisked out. A hand whisk works well, but an electric mixer may also be used.
To make in advance:
Use a baking pan rather than a cast iron skillet. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the shredded cheese and do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese, tent with foil, and bake. Since the casserole is chilled, add about 15 minutes to the baking time.
When broiling the top, watch carefully so the cheese becomes golden and bubbly without burning.
If this homestyle ground beef casserole recipe looks good to you, save it for an easy comfort food dinner.
More Ground Beef Recipe Ideas:
Meatloaf
Chili
Ravioli Lasagna
Ground Beef Tacos
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy