Old-Fashioned Ground Beef Casserole with Egg Noodles

This creamy, cheesy ground beef casserole with egg noodles has been a favorite for cozy family dinners and potlucks for years. It blends rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and lots of comforting cheese into one satisfying dish.

I first made this casserole on a chilly weekend, and now it’s a go-to whenever I want something warm and filling. The whole family always asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides hearty protein choose lean for less fat
• Tomato sauce: rich base that keeps the dish moist and flavorful
• White onion: adds mild sweetness and texture
• Egg noodles: tender and perfectly absorb the sauce fresh or dried both work well
• Sour cream: gives a creamy tang that lightens the tomato sauce
• Cream cheese: helps to thicken and add extra richness
• Sharp cheddar cheese: for a melty savory top layer
• Garlic salt: boosts savory notes and depth
• Regular salt: essential for seasoning all elements
• White sugar: balances acidity in the tomato sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Searing the Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat carefully to avoid soggy casserole.

Simmering the Sauce:

Stir in garlic salt regular salt tomato sauce and sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer melds flavors and thickens the sauce.

Preparing the Noodles:

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking this keeps the noodles from becoming mushy in the casserole.

Mixing the Creamy Layer:

In a bowl combine diced white onion sour cream and cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until you get a smooth creamy mixture.

Layering the Casserole:

Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the greased casserole dish. Dollop half of the creamy mixture over the noodles then spoon half the beef sauce on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining noodles cream and beef sauce.

Adding the Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the top layer to ensure a golden bubbly finish.

Baking:

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake uncovered for approximately 25 minutes until the cheese melts bubbles and takes on a nice golden color.

Resting Before Serving:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.

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Storage Tips

Cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or an airtight lid and refrigerate. It keeps well up to four days. To reheat warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to three months just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works if you want a lighter option though the flavor changes slightly. Substitute cottage cheese for the cream cheese if you prefer less richness but still want the creamy texture. Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder cheese topping. If you do not have egg noodles any short pasta like rotini or shells works well to soak up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad and a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal. A crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is excellent for soaking up the cheesy tomato sauce leftovers on the plate. A fresh slice of tomato or cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to this hearty casserole.

Cultural Context

Ground beef casseroles like this were popular comfort food classics from mid-20th century American kitchens especially for feeding families affordably with filling ingredients. These dishes reflect a tradition of layered casseroles designed to be easy reheated crowd-pleasers often brought to potlucks or family gatherings. Adding sour cream and cream cheese gives this recipe a slightly different twist often seen in Eastern European inspired American dishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, pasta shapes like rotini or penne work well. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente before layering.

→ What type of cheese works best for melting on top?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides great flavor and melts nicely to create a golden crust.

→ How can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Chopped bell peppers or frozen peas mix well into the meat sauce for added color and nutrition.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This allows flavors to meld and saves time on serving day.

→ What’s the best way to drain excess fat from ground beef?

After browning, carefully tilt the pan and use a spoon or ladle to remove the fat for a leaner dish.