Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole: Just the name conjures up images of warm, comforting dinners, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, because it’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! Imagine layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Casseroles, in general, have a rich history, evolving from humble peasant fare to beloved family staples. They represent resourcefulness and the joy of sharing a hearty meal. This particular Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a modern take on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks with friends. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices.

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef, combined with the creamy cheese and soft pasta, creates a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy. So, let’s get cooking!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I always make sure to get a good sear on the beef for maximum flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! I usually give it a good stir every 5-10 minutes to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. Cook the Egg Noodles: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. I usually cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and set aside. Make sure to get rid of all the excess water!

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. I prefer using a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
2. Whisk in the Flour: Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Gradually Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
4. Season the Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (if using). Stir well to combine. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that I really enjoy, but it’s totally optional.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t let the sauce boil, or the cheese might separate.
6. Stir in Sour Cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream. This adds a lovely tang and richness to the cheese sauce. Make sure the sour cream is fully incorporated.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I find this temperature works best for even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, the meat sauce, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
3. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray to grease the dish, but you can also use butter or oil.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss the bread crumbs with the melted butter and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a delicious and crispy topping.
5. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning.
7. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier casserole, add more red pepper flakes or use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the cheese sauce, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions:

This cheesy ground beef casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. I love serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because something about this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole recipe whispered to your soul. And trust me, your soul is right! This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a dish, a symphony of savory flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. From the perfectly seasoned ground beef to the creamy, cheesy layers, every bite is pure bliss. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and weekends even more relaxed.

But why is this casserole a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make! Seriously, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this. The ingredient list is straightforward, the instructions are simple, and the payoff is HUGE. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies you might have lurking in the fridge. Think of it as a delicious, resourceful masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to make this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole your own. While it’s absolutely divine as is, there’s always room for a little personalization. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or swap out the cheddar cheese for a pepper jack. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the casserole. They’ll blend right in and add a boost of nutrients without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

Serving-wise, this casserole is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they’re just as delicious the next day for lunch. You can even crumble it over a baked potato for a truly decadent treat!

Another fun variation is to use different types of pasta. While I love the classic elbow macaroni, you could easily substitute it with penne, rotini, or even shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole.

For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option. Another great way to lighten it up is to add more vegetables and reduce the amount of pasta.

I’m telling you, this recipe is a winner. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t regret it!

Share Your Creation!

I’m so excited for you to try this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole recipe! Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover the joy of this amazing dish. Happy cooking!