If you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together hearty flavors with creamy textures, this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned and layered with cheesy noodles and a luscious sour cream and cottage cheese blend, baking into a golden, bubbly delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this dish will quickly become your go-to recipe for an easy, nourishing dinner that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory ground beef that provides richness, to the creamy cheese mixture that adds lusciousness, and the egg noodles for the perfect texture and body of the dish. These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create incredible flavors and a dish with wonderful color and appeal.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base packed with flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the casserole.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a savory saucy layer that ties the dish together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Contributes smooth and tangy creaminess.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds texture and a mild, cheesy flavor that balances the richness.
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained: The tender noodles provide a soft, comforting structure.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping with sharpness and gooey goodness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Gives a fresh, colorful finish to the plate.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent. This is where that wonderful savory foundation of the casserole is built, so take your time to get a nice flavor base. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Next, stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with bold flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes. This step intensifies the sauce and melds all the aromatic ingredients perfectly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Layer
While the meat simmers, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate bowl. This creamy blend adds a luscious texture that balances the tomato-savory meat and creates a comforting contrast with the noodles and melted cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling. Start with half of the cooked egg noodles as the bottom layer, then spread half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over them. Follow with half of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat these layers to use the rest of your ingredients, creating a beautifully structured casserole that bakes evenly, promising every slice is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set beautifully.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley add a pop of bright color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the casserole. It not only elevates the presentation but also adds a subtle flavor element that your guests will notice and appreciate.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even roasted carrots for a balanced meal. Light and fresh side dishes create a lovely counterpoint to the rich and cheesy casserole, making your entire meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your casserole slices stacked on plates with a drizzle of tangy hot sauce or a dollop of extra sour cream on top. For a fun twist, you could scoop portions into individual ramekins for personalized servings, turning the humble casserole into a charming presentation for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Ground Beef Casserole Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. This makes it an excellent dish for meal prepping or enjoying quick lunches the following days without losing any of the original deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, tightly wrap with foil and plastic wrap, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing cooked leftovers, allow them to cool completely, portion into sealed containers, and freeze similarly to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ideally covered to prevent drying. For frozen portions, thaw first in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly to restore that freshly baked texture and gooey cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I substitute other cheeses in this Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the texture and melt quality of the topping.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not as is, because the egg noodles contain gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta noodles instead. Just cook according to package instructions and enjoy the same hearty flavors without worry.
Can I add vegetables to the Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach make excellent additions to add extra nutrients and flavor complexity. Incorporate them during the beef cooking step for the best integration.
What can I use instead of sour cream or cottage cheese?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, while ricotta works well instead of cottage cheese. Both swaps maintain the creamy texture while giving a slightly different taste profile.
How do I ensure the casserole doesn’t become soggy?
Draining excess grease from the cooked beef and properly draining the noodles are essential steps. Also, don’t over-soak the noodles in liquid and avoid adding too much sauce. These tips ensure your casserole holds together beautifully with the right balance of creaminess and structure.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is a beautiful blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the kind of meal that feels both homey and special, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a treasured staple in your family recipe collection.
Print
Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole combines lean ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy cheese blend for an easy, crowd-pleasing American main course. Layers of seasoned beef simmered in tomato sauce, paired with a mix of sour cream and cottage cheese, are baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Dairy Mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Pasta and Topping
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season the Beef: Stir into the cooked beef the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cheese Mix: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked egg noodles evenly on the bottom, spread half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with half of the beef mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, dairy mix, and beef mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the assembled casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, ensuring a golden crust forms on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh herbaceous touch.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese for a different texture and flavor.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef for extra vegetables and nutritional value.
- For a spicier version, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer, use whole-wheat egg noodles to add fiber and a nuttier taste.
