Ground beef casserole is a go-to comfort food for families looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. Its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta or potatoes, creamy sauces, and cheese make it a versatile dish that pleases everyone at the dinner table. The ease of preparation and the ability to make it ahead of time makes ground beef casserole an ideal meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you prefer a tomato-based or creamy sauce, this dish can be customized to suit different tastes, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.

 

 

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce

• 1 large white onion, diced

• 1 package (8 oz.) egg noodles

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese

• 1 lb. ground beef

• ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp white sugar

 

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

This ground beef casserole recipe is a simple, straightforward process that delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. Here’s how you can prepare it:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

2. Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic salt, salt, and tomato sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and cover to keep warm.

3. Cook the Egg Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente, then drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Prepare the Casserole Layers: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

5. Layer the Casserole: Layer half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, spread half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the seasoned beef mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef mixture.

6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the top of the casserole generously with shredded Cheddar cheese.

7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, forming a golden, crispy crust on top.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

 

Calories in Ground Beef Casserole

The ground beef casserole can be quite filling, but its calorie content depends on the specific ingredients used, especially the type and amount of cheese, sour cream, and the ground beef. On average, a serving of ground beef casserole contains approximately 400–500 calories. Keep in mind that the total calorie count can vary based on portion sizes, and any substitutions you may make.

 

Best Time to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef casserole is a versatile dish suitable for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideal times to serve it:

• Weeknight Dinners: This casserole is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. It can be prepared ahead of time and simply popped in the oven when it’s time to eat.

• Family Gatherings: With its hearty, comforting flavor, this dish is a great choice for family meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s filling, making it great for larger crowds.

• Meal Prep: Ground beef casserole is an excellent meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and even freezes well for later use. You can make it in advance and heat it up as needed throughout the week.

 

How to Save Electricity While Preparing Ground Beef Casserole

If you’re looking to save energy while preparing your ground beef casserole, here are some tips:

1. Use a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot: Instead of cooking the ground beef in a skillet and boiling the noodles separately, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook everything together, cutting down on both cooking time and energy use.

2. Cook in Batches: If you’re using the oven, avoid turning it on for a single dish. Consider cooking multiple meals at once or using the oven efficiently by baking other dishes alongside the casserole.

3. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Choose appliances like induction cooktops or slow cookers that are known to use less energy than traditional stovetops or ovens.

 

Who Will Benefit from Ground Beef Casserole?

Ground beef casserole is a balanced and filling meal that provides protein, carbohydrates, and fat. It’s particularly beneficial for:

• Active Individuals: Those who require higher energy intake due to exercise or physical activity will find this casserole to be a good source of sustained energy.

• Families with Growing Children: Ground beef casserole is a great way to provide kids with protein and essential nutrients, especially in a meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy as a family.

• People Needing Comfort Food: This casserole is ideal for anyone seeking a hearty, comforting meal to lift their spirits after a long day.

 

Who Should Avoid Ground Beef Casserole?

While ground beef casserole is generally a well-rounded dish, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• People with Dietary Restrictions: Individuals following vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb diets should avoid this dish, as it contains beef and egg noodles. Substituting with plant-based proteins or alternative noodles can make this dish suitable for those with specific dietary preferences.

• Those Managing Heart Health: The recipe contains sour cream, cream cheese, and cheese, which can be high in saturated fats. People with heart conditions or those monitoring cholesterol levels should limit their intake or modify the ingredients to make it heart-healthier, such as using low-fat or dairy-free alternatives.

• Diabetics: The presence of pasta and the high-calorie ingredients might not be ideal for individuals with diabetes, especially if portion sizes are large. Opting for a cauliflower rice base or using whole wheat noodles could be a better option.

 

Final Thoughts

Ground beef casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that brings together flavorful ingredients like seasoned beef, creamy sauces, and melty cheese. Whether you're feeding your family, prepping for the week, or looking for a satisfying dinner, this casserole will not disappoint. By following the recipe and incorporating energy-saving tips, you can prepare this delicious meal with ease, while also keeping your energy costs in check.

So, whether you're making this casserole for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or for meal prep, it's sure to become a family favorite!