Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

I absolutely adore sharing this recipe because it’s a comforting classic that brings back the warmth of home cooking. I call it Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, and to me, it’s the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and tomatoey goodness layered with tender pasta and a rich savory sauce. Every time I make it, it tastes like a hug from my grandma herself, and I’m convinced you’ll find the same joy in every bite. It truly is one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas and the heart with nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

What makes this recipe so special to me is its incredible balance of flavors. The savory ground beef cooked with onion and bell pepper creates such a satisfying base, while the tomato sauce adds a bright, slightly tangy warmth that wakes up your taste buds. Then the real magic happens when the cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a lovely velvety texture that’s both indulgent and comforting. Topping it all off with sharp Cheddar cheese brings that perfect golden crown that’s gooey, slightly crisp, and full of rich flavor.

I also love how straightforward this casserole is to prepare. I can see why my grandma always kept this recipe in her rotation—it comes together quickly with simple pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and canned tomato sauce. Plus, the baking step helps all those flavors meld together beautifully without demanding constant attention, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Whenever I want a dish that can feed a crowd without complicated prep, this casserole is my go-to. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two layers of cooking in a large black cast iron pan on a white marbled surface. The top layer displays raw ground meat in a soft pink color filling the pan evenly with a slightly moist texture. In the bottom layer, the meat has turned brown and crumbly, mixed with two piles of diced vegetables: one bright white pile of onions and one vibrant green pile of bell peppers, both placed on top of the cooked meat in the center of the pan. The black pan contrasts with the colors of the ingredients, and there is soft steam rising from the cooking food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a vital role in making this casserole the heartwarming dish that it is. From the tender pasta that forms the base to the sharp Cheddar that makes the top irresistibly cheesy, every component contributes to the overall taste, texture, and color of the dish.

1 pound egg noodles or short pasta: Provides the soft, comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the ground beef and soften the vegetables evenly.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this casserole deeply satisfying.
1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
1 medium green bell pepper (diced): Introduces a subtle crunch and fresh contrast to the rich meat sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules: Boosts the savory notes with gentle garlic warmth.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Brings just the right amount of spice and balance.
2 15-oz cans tomato sauce: Forms the vibrant, rich base of the casserole’s signature sauce.
4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives the sauce that luscious, creamy texture and subtle tanginess.
1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts on top to create a golden, bubbling, cheesy crust.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when the casserole comes together.

Step 2: Cook the egg noodles or your choice of short pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain them well and set them aside; they’ll soak up the sauce perfectly later on.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds the casserole’s rich, savory foundation.

Step 4: Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.

Step 5: Sprinkle in the garlic granules, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute these seasonings evenly throughout the meat and veggies.

Step 6: Pour in the two cans of tomato sauce and stir everything well. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors can marry and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 8: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Spread the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish.

Step 9: Pour the meat sauce over the pasta, smoothing it out so it covers the noodles completely and evenly.

Step 10: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese on top of the sauce layer, creating that essential cheesy blanket.

Step 11: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—that way, everything sets nicely and is easier to portion out.

Servings and Timing

This Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe serves about 6 hungry people, making it great for families or small gatherings. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, mostly chopping and cooking the pasta, while the stove-top meat and sauce step takes about 15-20 minutes. Baking time is around 20 to 25 minutes, and I always recommend letting it rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors settle and it’s easier to serve. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 55 to 60 minutes from start to finish, which is quite manageable for a homemade baked casserole.

How to Serve This Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

A serving of baked pasta casserole with three visible layers sits on a black textured plate on a white marbled background. The bottom layer shows spiral pasta mixed with a reddish-brown meat sauce with bits of green bell pepper visible. The middle layer has more pasta and meat sauce, blending with melted cheddar cheese that forms the thick top layer. The surface is golden-orange with sprinkled chopped green herbs, adding a pop of color. Behind the plate, a white ceramic baking dish with a similar cheesy top layer is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with fresh, bright sides that complement its rich flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy, cheesy layers of the casserole. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make fantastic accompaniments, adding texture and vibrant color to the plate.

For presentation, I enjoy sprinkling a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add that pop of color and fresh taste. Personally, I serve this casserole warm straight from the oven because those melted layers and bubbling cheese are just irresistible at that temperature. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner where everyone can scoop generous portions onto their plates. If you’re looking to impress guests, try portioning smaller servings with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last bit of the sauce.

For beverages, I find that a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with the tomato and beef flavors. If wine isn’t your thing, a cold glass of sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea can also be refreshing. This casserole shines during casual weeknight meals but also stands up well as a comforting dish for holidays or weekend get-togethers when you want something that feels homemade and fuss-free.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want a lighter twist, I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, which still provides protein but with less fat. For a vegetarian version, lentils or crumbled tofu can replace the meat – just make sure to season them well so you don’t lose out on flavor.

If you’re cooking for someone avoiding gluten, you can easily use gluten-free pasta to keep this recipe safe without sacrificing the familiar taste and texture. For an even creamier, richer sauce, try adding a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese, or experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different kind of melt.

I’ve also experimented with cooking this casserole in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach—just brown the beef and veggies first, then layer everything in the slow cooker and top with cheese later for the final 30 minutes on a low setting. It’s a great way to spend less time in the kitchen and still enjoy that comforting casserole flavor at dinnertime.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. It keeps best in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This way, you can easily reheat individual portions without losing the integrity of flavors or texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, which is great for meal prepping or saving for busy days. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I find the oven works best to restore the casserole’s texture and flavor. Heat it at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for a few more minutes to refresh the cheesy top. Microwaving works too for a quicker fix, but sometimes the cheese doesn’t crisp up the same way, so I prefer the oven method if time allows.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce wonderfully, you can substitute other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells depending on your preference or what you have available. Just be sure to cook to al dente so they hold up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole through the assembly step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy schedules. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Can I add other vegetables to the meat sauce?

Definitely! I’ve added chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots with great results. These add extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the savory flavor of the casserole. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers to soften before adding the sauce.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, Greek yogurt or a mild soft cheese like ricotta can be a substitute. Keep in mind that the creamy tang won’t be exactly the same, but it will still contribute to a rich sauce texture. Be sure to add the substitute when the sauce is off heat to avoid curdling.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

It’s best to freeze Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole before baking, but you can freeze baked leftovers as well. Just wrap them tightly and reheat thoroughly. The texture may be slightly different after freezing and reheating, but the flavors remain comforting and delicious.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like coming home. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavors that have stood the test of time in my family’s kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or simply craving a cozy meal, this casserole will remind you why simple ingredients combined with care make all the difference. Happy cooking!