How to Make a Delicious Ground Beef Casserole in 30 Minutes

Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes? Well, you’re in for a treat! This Ground Beef Casserole is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it one of my favorite easy pasta recipes for busy weeknights. With layers of creamy goodness and cheesy delight, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Hearty and satisfying, ideal for quick family dinners.
• Versatile and customizable with your favorite ingredients.
• Great for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
• Deliciously creamy and cheesy, a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

To make this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz. each)
• 1 large white onion (diced)
• 1 package egg noodles (8 oz.)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package cream cheese (3 oz.)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp white sugar

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering casserole:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in garlic salt, salt, and tomato sauce. Mix until well combined, then simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from heat and cover.
3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente according to package directions (usually about 5-6 minutes).
4. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.
7. Layer half of the noodles in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half of the sour cream mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
8. Sprinkle the top generously with Cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly crispy.
10. Remove from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you want to spice things up, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of sour cream or cream cheese.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
• For a fun twist, try using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack!

How to Serve

This Ground Beef Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting touch.
• Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
• For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep! Here’s how to make it ahead of time:

• You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
• If you want to freeze it, prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

For more delicious ideas, check out my Ground Beef Stroganoff or Beef with Broccoli recipes. And if you’re in the mood for another casserole, don’t miss my Cattle Drive Casserole! These are some of the best recipes with ground beef that you’ll want to add to your collection.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this Ground Beef Casserole for your next weeknight dinner idea! I promise it will be a hit with your family, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Happy cooking!