There’s something special about a classic ground beef casserole—it’s warm, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavors. This Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole is a dish that has been passed down for generations, bringing families together around the dinner table with its rich, cheesy, and comforting goodness.
I love this recipe because it’s simple, affordable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this casserole is always a hit.
Let’s get into how you can make this timeless, old-fashioned ground beef casserole at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food – A hearty, satisfying dish that tastes just like Grandma’s.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick assembly.
- Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or meal prep.
- Cheesy and flavorful – Layers of beef, noodles, sauce, and melty cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or egg noodles)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How to Make Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Layer
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the greased baking dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture over the pasta.
- Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!
My Best Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
- Use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese – It makes the casserole extra rich and creamy.
- Add extra veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Try different cheeses – Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda can switch up the flavor.
What to Serve with Classic Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own, but here are some great side ideas:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Side salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
- Steamed vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or roasted broccoli.
- Pickles or coleslaw – The tanginess pairs well with the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
This Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole is pure comfort food—simple, hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as egg noodles or macaroni)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth. Fold this mixture into the beef and pasta mixture.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and transfer the mixture into it. Spread evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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