If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal, this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is sure to hit the spot. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. With layers of savory beef, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is a family favorite you’ll return to again and again. Grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal!
Steps
- Begin by heating a large skillet on medium-high. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and crumbly for about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain the excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt to the beef. Let it simmer for around 20 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and cover.
- As the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the egg noodles until they are firm yet tender, approximately 7 to 9 minutes, and then drain them.
- While cooking the noodles, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion in a bowl until well mixed.
- Lay half of the cooked noodles in the greased casserole dish, then layer with half of the sour cream mixture and half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layering process once more, then sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown, which should take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 (8-ounce) package of egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3042 | Total Fat: 198g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Cholesterol: 804mg | Sodium: 5850mg | Total Carbohydrates: 138g | Dietary Fiber: 18g | Sugars: 54g | Protein: 186g | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 1434mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 5238mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of noodle instead of egg noodles?
- Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you prefer, such as macaroni or penne. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente before layering it in the casserole.
- Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
- Certainly! You can prepare the casserole and assemble all the layers in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano. You can also sauté the onion with the beef for added depth of flavor.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or use additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to create a vegetarian version.
- What cheese works best for this recipe?
- While sharp Cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites to suit your taste.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the diced onion with the ground beef instead of adding it raw to the cheese mixture.
- Customize the cheese topping by adding more sharp Cheddar or trying a blend of different cheeses for extra depth.
- Experiment by using pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce for a slightly different taste and texture.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor with additional seasonings such as Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – for browning the ground beef.
- Large Pot – for boiling the egg noodles.
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish – for baking the casserole.
- Mixing Bowls – for combining the sour cream, cream cheese, and onion.
- Grater – for shredding the Cheddar cheese if buying a block instead of pre-shredded.
