Ground Beef Casserole

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and aromatic.

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning. Mix everything together so the meat absorbs all that flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. The sauce should coat the beef evenly, creating a luscious texture.

At this stage, you can also stir in half of the shredded cheese — this gives your casserole a rich, cheesy base that melts beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Each noodle should be well coated in the creamy beef mixture.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — a little more salt or pepper goes a long way here.

Step 6: Layer and Add Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.

The cheesy layer will melt into a gooey, golden topping once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your sign that it’s ready!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serve warm with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables — and enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting dish.

🌟 Tips and Variations

• Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for color and nutrition.
• Use different cheeses: Monterey Jack, provolone, or gouda can replace cheddar.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Swap the meat: Ground turkey or chicken also works beautifully.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

This casserole pairs well with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Warm buttered rolls or garlic bread
• A light fruit salad for dessert

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors that bring pure satisfaction with every forkful. It’s a reliable recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has been a staple in family kitchens for generations.

Would you like me to include a variation with rice instead of pasta, or keep it as a pasta-based casserole?