Ground Beef Casserole

 This creamy, cheesy noodle casserole is a comforting family favorite. Layered with seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich sour cream–cream cheese mixture, it bakes into a bubbly, satisfying meal.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (plus 20 minutes simmering for sauce)
Total time: ~60 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 large white onion, diced

• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce

• 1 package (8 oz) egg noodles

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp white sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease.

2. Simmer the sauce
Stir in the garlic salt, salt, sugar, and tomato sauce. Mix well, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

3. Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

4. Preheat and prepare the dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

5. Make the creamy layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth.

6. Assemble the layers

• Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.

• Top with half of the sour cream mixture, spreading gently.

• Add half of the beef mixture over the sour cream layer.

• Repeat with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef mixture.

7. Add cheese and bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

• Add vegetables – Sauté diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the ground beef, or stir frozen peas into the beef mixture before layering.

• Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy tomato sauce.

• Cheese swap – Substitute mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the cheddar.

• Lighter version – Use ground turkey or chicken, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cream cheese.

• Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy this hearty, budget-friendly casserole!