Here’s an easy, comforting Ground Beef Casserole with Creamy Egg Noodles—simple ingredients, one pan, and total cozy-dinner vibes 🍲
Great for busy weeknights and leftovers.
Easy Ground Beef Casserole with Creamy Egg Noodles
Why You’ll Love It
- Uses pantry staples
- Creamy, not dry
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Ready in about 40 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)
Optional add-ins
- Frozen peas or corn (½ cup)
- Mushrooms, sliced
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles
Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat:
- Add ground beef and onion
- Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft
- Drain excess grease
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
3. Make it creamy
Lower heat and stir in:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Optional Worcestershire
Mix until smooth.
4. Combine
Add cooked egg noodles to the skillet.
Stir gently until everything is coated.
5. Assemble casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish
- Stir in 1 cup of cheese
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Easy Variations
- 🧀 Extra cheesy: add mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 🌶️ Spicy: add red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese
- 🥦 Veggie boost: mix in steamed broccoli
- 🍗 Swap protein: ground turkey or chicken works great
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (thaw overnight before baking)
- Make ahead: assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake next day
If you want, I can also share:
- A no-bake skillet version
- A healthier/lighter option
- A crunchy topping twist (breadcrumbs or crackers)
Just let me know 😊
