Hearty Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe for Family Joy

Comfort meets simplicity in this hearty ground beef country casserole that’ll warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this dish brings together classic ingredients in a delightful one-pan meal.

Tender ground beef mingles with soft potatoes and vegetables, creating a wholesome blend that screams home-cooked goodness.

Layers of cheesy, creamy texture make this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

The rustic charm of this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through traditional country cooking.

Prepare to fall in love with this comforting classic that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Why Ground Beef Casserole Is Comfort Food

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious nostalgia with every single bite.
• Family Dinner Superstar: Packed with kid-friendly flavors and guaranteed to satisfy hungry appetites, this recipe brings everyone together around the table with its irresistible cheesy goodness.
• One-Dish Dish: Simplify your cooking process by creating a complete meal in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients in Country Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

• Egg Noodles: Soft and comforting pasta that holds the casserole together.
• Tomato Soup, Golden Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauces that create a delicious binding.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the beef's flavor.
• Dried Minced Onion, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy texture.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a golden, gooey topping.

• Aluminum Foil: Protects the casserole during baking.

Country Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain them completely but skip rinsing.

Set the noodles aside for later.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any extra fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cooked noodles
• Browned beef
• Tomato soup
• Golden mushroom soup
• Milk
• Dried minced onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Parmesan cheese

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well blended.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the surface.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the noodles moist.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Serve and Delight

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Meaty Casserole Success

• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves precious cooking time.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative that maintains the dish's delicious comfort food essence.
• Reduce salt content by using low-sodium soups and monitoring added salt during cooking. This helps create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the mixture to increase vegetable content and add extra nutrients to the classic comfort dish.

How to Store and Reheat Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and add fresh cheese during the last 5 minutes to restore moisture and flavor.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and maintain creamy texture.

Sides That Fit Beef Casserole

• Elevate Comfort with Perfect Pairings
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, adding brightness and vegetable crunch.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Pour a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, whose bold flavors harmonize with the hearty ground beef and creamy sauce.
• Match with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a complementary carbohydrate texture that enhances the meal's comfort factor.
• Balance with Chilled Beverage: Offer cold craft beer or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and provide refreshing contrast against the casserole's rich, savory profile.

Beef Casserole Recipe Combos

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and verify that all soups are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the comforting casserole concept.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Parmesan and Colby Jack cheeses with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this classic dish.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for a similar hearty casserole experience.

• What if I don't have golden mushroom soup?

Cream of mushroom soup works perfectly as a replacement, maintaining the creamy texture and flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace the condensed soups with gluten-free versions to create a celiac-friendly casserole.

Ground Beef Country Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Country Casserole brings comfort straight from rural kitchens to dinner tables. Layers of savory beef, creamy cheese, and golden potatoes create a satisfying meal that connects you with homestyle cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 bag (14 grams) wide egg noodles
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 can (305 grams) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (305 grams) golden mushroom soup

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Boil egg noodles according to package guidance, ensuring they remain al dente. Carefully drain water without rinsing, then set pasta aside.
3. In a robust skillet, sizzle ground beef over medium-high temperature. Season with garlic powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Cook thoroughly until meat transforms into rich brown crumbles. Eliminate excess grease and remove from heat.
4. Combine prepared noodles and seasoned beef in a spacious mixing container. Introduce tomato soup, golden mushroom soup, milk, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan. Blend ingredients until harmoniously integrated.
5. Gently transfer mixed contents into greased baking dish, distributing evenly across surface. Shield entire dish with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
6. Position casserole in preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Extract dish, remove protective foil, and generously scatter shredded Colby Jack cheese across top. Return to oven for additional 5 minutes until cheese liquefies into glistening golden layer.
8. Allow casserole to rest momentarily, permitting internal temperature to stabilize. Slice and serve alongside crisp garlic bread or vibrant garden salad for complete dining experience.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or cauliflower rice to make the casserole celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Choose low-sodium soups and cheese to control salt content, making the dish more heart-friendly and suitable for those monitoring sodium intake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg