The Best Creamy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy ground beef casserole that brings hearty flavors right to your dinner table.

Cheesy, rich, and packed with savory goodness, the recipe promises a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Tender ground beef mingles with soft pasta and a velvety sauce that hugs each ingredient.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet incredible dish.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned meat create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing casserole to your regular rotation of go-to meals.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Easy Creamy Ground Beef Casserole: Weeknight Hero

• This ground beef casserole wins hearts with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Swap ingredients like ground turkey or gluten-free noodles to match dietary preferences without losing the delicious comfort food vibe.
• Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy, cheesy dish that packs protein and delivers serious taste in every single bite.
• Prep and cook this one-pan wonder faster than ordering takeout, making dinner stress-free and deliciously satisfying.

Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the depth of flavor in the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a tangy and rich sauce base for the beef mixture.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Provide a luxurious, smooth texture and tangy richness to the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds comforting texture and helps bind the casserole together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer of flavor that creates a golden, crispy top.

Tools For Easy Beef Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating that delicious sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese and sour cream smoothly.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and baking your hearty casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain noodles after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Sharp Knife: Helps with any quick chopping or preparation.

How To Layer A Creamy Beef Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned.

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Sizzle these together for a quick 30-second flavor boost.

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything bubble and meld together for 3-5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering base.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Cook the egg noodles until they’re perfectly tender, just shy of fully done.

Step 5: Build the Delicious Layers

In your baking dish, start creating delicious layers:

First layer: Half of the noodles

Next: Half of the creamy mixture

Then: Half of the beef sauce

Repeat these layers one more time

Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese on top for that golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when it’s steaming hot and the cheese is bubbling with delicious promise.

Tips For Savory, Creamy Casserole Dinners

• Remove as much fat as possible when draining ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing, creating a smoother, lump-free cream mixture that blends perfectly with sour cream.
• Don't be shy with Italian seasoning and salt – they boost the overall flavor profile and make the casserole more delicious and memorable.
• Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness; they'll continue cooking slightly in the oven, maintaining a perfect tender texture.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese for better melting and more even coverage, creating a golden, irresistible cheesy topping that everyone will love.

Casserole Swaps & Variations

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that adds extra vegetables to the dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meatless version that maintains the casserole's rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional noodles, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a zesty southwestern kick.

Plating Ground Beef Casserole With Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
• Comfort Food Companions: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to add nutrition and color to your plate.
• Weekend Potluck Winner: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where friends and family will appreciate its rich, creamy texture and classic comfort food appeal.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container for quick lunches or reheat for a speedy weeknight dinner that tastes just as delicious the next day.

Storing Casserole Leftovers Simply

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in.
• Wrap casserole portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in freezer containers for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What makes the cream cheese and sour cream mixture important in this recipe?

The mixture adds a rich, tangy layer of creaminess that helps bind the casserole ingredients together and creates a smooth, luxurious texture throughout the dish.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes and will give you similar delicious results while keeping the overall recipe structure the same.

• Do I need to precook the egg noodles completely?

No, you should cook the egg noodles just until they’re tender but not fully done. They’ll continue cooking in the oven during the baking process, which prevents them from becoming mushy in the final casserole.

Easy Creamy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef casserole delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy layers that meld perfectly. Home cooks will savor this classic midwestern dish packed with simple, satisfying ingredients that invite you to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Layer:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cream Layer:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream

Noodle and Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) egg noodles
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a perfectly balanced cooking environment for the upcoming casserole creation.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef, carefully draining excess fat. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld for about 30 seconds.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by stirring in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the combination to simmer and develop robust flavors for 3-5 minutes.
4. Whisk cream cheese and sour cream together in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Simultaneously, prepare egg noodles, cooking them just until they reach al dente tenderness.
5. Construct the casserole in layers: spread a base of noodles in the baking dish, followed by an even layer of cream mixture, then a generous coating of beef sauce. Repeat the layering process, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top layer, creating a golden, appetizing surface.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges become gloriously bubbly and slightly crisp.

Notes

• Customize the Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free egg noodles or replace with zucchini noodles to make this casserole friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more texture and flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for an effortless meal prep strategy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg