Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight! 🧀🥩🌟
1. Introduction
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? This cheesy ground beef casserole is *exactly* what you need! It’s a comforting embrace in food form. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time, or for potlucks where you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this ground beef casserole recipe combines simple, readily available ingredients to create a truly unforgettable dish. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, perfectly cooked tender egg noodles, and an abundance of melted, gooey cheese – this cheesy beef bake is a guaranteed win with everyone, from kids to adults. It’s pure comfort food magic. Ready to dive into this classic beef casserole with cheese? Let’s get started and explore why this dish is a family favorite!
2. What is Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole?
Cheesy ground beef casserole is essentially a baked hug, a dish that warms you from the inside out. It prominently features ground beef, noodles (typically egg noodles, but you can experiment!), cheese (and lots of it!), all brought together by a creamy, flavorful sauce. What makes it even better is its versatility! This isn’t a rigid recipe; it’s an invitation to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Think of adding some zing with our Zesty Cowboy Caviar Dip’s ingredients or pairing it with a side dish similar to our Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner. The delightful combination of savory beef and mounds of melted cheese makes it a comforting and filling meal, perfect for pretty much any occasion you can think of. Whether you call it a ground beef casserole recipe, a cheesy beef bake, or simply beef casserole with cheese, this family-friendly dish is *always* a hit! Looking for another great option for dinner? Check out our wide variety of dinner recipes!
3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: This cheesy ground beef casserole is a dream for busy cooks. It requires minimal effort and uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Family-Friendly: Let’s face it, getting everyone to agree on dinner can be a challenge. But even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this classic ground beef casserole recipe. The cheesy goodness is universally appealing!
Versatile: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Have a favorite cheese blend? Use it! It’s easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to create a unique cheesy beef bake that’s all your own.
Comforting: Need a little culinary comfort? The rich, cheesy, savory flavors of this beef casserole with cheese make it the perfect comfort food. It’s like a warm blanket on a cold night.
Make-Ahead: Planning a party or just want to get ahead on dinner prep? You can easily assemble this ground beef casserole recipe in advance and bake it later. This makes it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. For another make-ahead cheesy dish, consider our Easy No-Bake Cheesy Bread!
4. Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, your choice!)
1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white works best)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best)
1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles (or your favorite pasta shape)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (this is the secret to the creamy sauce!)
1 cup sour cream (adds a tangy richness)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (for added nutrition and color)
5. Equipment Needed
Large skillet (for browning the beef)
Large pot (for cooking the noodles)
9×13 inch baking dish (the standard casserole size)
Mixing bowl (for combining the ingredients)
6. How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, grab your large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened and translucent. Drain any excess fat – this will prevent your casserole from being greasy. Season generously with salt and pepper. This seasoned beef forms the flavorful and hearty base of our delicious cheesy ground beef casserole. Consider trying our equally tasty beef recipes if you are a beef lover!
Step 2: Cook the Noodles and Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the beef is browning, get your large pot going and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook them – you want them to be al dente. Drain the noodles *extremely* well. Nobody likes a watery casserole! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined, creating a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every noodle. This creamy mixture adds incredible richness and depth of flavor to the ground beef casserole recipe.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Noodle Mixture
Now comes the magic! Add the browned ground beef (with all those delicious onion bits!) to the noodle and cheese mixture. If you’re using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, this is the time to add them as well, ensuring they get evenly distributed throughout the casserole. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined. You want every noodle to be coated in that yummy beefy, cheesy goodness. This step brings together all the key components of our ultimate cheesy beef bake. You can also compare it to our Shotgun Shells Baked to Perfection in the Oven
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Carefully pour the ground beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. A little non-stick cooking spray or butter will do the trick. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. This will create that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly cheese layer that everyone loves. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving your gloriously delicious beef casserole with cheese. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
7. Tips and Variations
Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by mixing in other vegetables like diced bell peppers (any color!), sliced mushrooms, or sweet corn kernels. Sautéing them before adding them to the casserole will enhance their flavor in your cheesy ground beef casserole.
Use Different Cheese: Get creative with your cheese choices! Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella (for extra stretch), provolone (for a mild, slightly tangy flavor), or a blend of Italian cheeses (for a more complex flavor profile) for a unique twist on this ground beef casserole recipe.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha) to the beef mixture for a little extra heat and zing in your cheesy beef bake.
Cream of Chicken Soup: While cream of mushroom is classic, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile in your beef casserole with cheese.
Make it Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, simply use gluten-free noodles (there are many great options available these days!) and ensure that all other ingredients (especially the cream of mushroom soup) are gluten-free. This will allow everyone to enjoy a delectable gluten-free version of this beloved cheesy ground beef casserole. For another gluten free recipes consider our Family Favorite Scalloped Potatoes and Classic Scalloped Potatoes
Consider adding your personal touch by using a recipe similar to this one: Hamburger Jazz.
8. Serving Suggestions
This cheesy ground beef casserole is truly a complete meal in itself, offering a satisfying combination of protein, carbs, and veggies. However, it also pairs exceptionally well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables, adding a touch of freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the casserole. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
A crisp and refreshing fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
Steamed broccoli or green beans, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce. If you’re serving ham, this goes great with our glaze.
9. Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a timeless classic for a very good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make (even for beginner cooks!), unbelievably satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Whether you’re searching for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish that’s sure to be a hit, this ground beef casserole recipe is guaranteed to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting, cheesy flavors of this ultimate cheesy beef bake. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by experimenting with your favorite variations – that’s part of the fun! Happy cooking, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite of your perfectly baked beef casserole with cheese! Check out our other beef recipes for even more ideas!
This cheesy ground beef casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. With layers of savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s an easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Add the browned ground beef to the noodle and cheese mixture. If using, add frozen peas or mixed vegetables. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for added nutrition.
Experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or Italian cheese blend.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup.
Use gluten-free noodles and ingredients for a gluten-free version.
