There’s something timeless about a casserole. Maybe it’s the way it fills the house with rich, familiar smells. Or how one dish can bring generations to the table—talking, laughing, passing around seconds.
This ground beef casserole is one of those beloved, tried-and-true comfort food recipes. It’s simple, hearty, and filled with the flavors we grew up loving: savory beef, tender egg noodles, creamy layers of sour cream and cream cheese, all blanketed in bubbling sharp cheddar.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want to cook something that feels like a hug.
Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a hungry bunch of grandkids, this creamy ground beef casserole is one of those dependable family dinner ideas you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Homestyle Beef Casserole
- No complicated steps — Just basic ingredients and simple layering
- Comforting and satisfying — Creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful
- Budget-friendly — A great way to feed a family without breaking the bank
- Perfect for leftovers — Tastes even better the next day
- Customizable — Add veggies, spice it up, or double the cheese
This is more than just a dinner recipe. It’s the kind of dish that quietly becomes a tradition—served at reunions, holiday potlucks, and quiet nights when nothing else will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy, easy comfort food recipe:
- 1 pound ground beef – Browned and seasoned to perfection
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce – Rich, savory, and forms the base of the meat sauce
- 1 white onion, diced – Adds gentle sweetness and depth
- 1 package (8 oz) egg noodles – Cooked until just tender
- 1 cup sour cream – For that cool, creamy richness
- 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese – Blends perfectly into the creamy layer
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more!) – Melty, golden goodness on top
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp regular salt
- 1 tsp white sugar – Just enough to soften the tomato’s acidity
Step-by-Step Instructions
This old-fashioned casserole recipe is easy to put together and feeds a hungry table with ease.
1. Make the Savory Beef Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- When browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic salt, salt, and both cans of tomato sauce.
- Add the sugar to mellow out the acidity in the tomatoes.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, then remove it from heat and set it aside, covered.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles
While the sauce simmers, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook them until just al dente.
- Drain and rinse them briefly with cool water to stop the cooking.
Set them aside—you’re about to start building!
3. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.
4. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- The diced onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 oz cream cheese
Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. This creamy layer is what makes this dish so indulgent and comforting.
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