There’s something so comforting about a baked casserole, especially one loaded with rich, hearty flavors. If you love a warm, satisfying meal that brings the whole family together, this Ground Beef Country Casserole is about to become a staple in your home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a blend of tomato and golden mushroom soup for a deep, rich taste.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet filling, or for those cozy weekends when you just want to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this casserole is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers—if there’s any left at all!
Let’s get started on making this comforting classic.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or more, if desired)
Once you have everything ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them—you want them just tender since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain them well, but do not rinse. The starch left on the noodles helps the sauce cling better, making every bite extra delicious. Set the noodles aside while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. Remove from heat and set aside.
At this point, your kitchen will already be smelling incredible with the combination of garlic and beef cooking together. But we’re just getting started!
Bringing It All Together: Mixing and Baking the Perfect Casserole
Now that the egg noodles are cooked and the ground beef is browned, it’s time to combine all the ingredients and let the magic happen. This step is where the creamy, cheesy goodness comes together, making every bite of this Ground Beef Country Casserole rich and full of flavor.
Let’s get everything mixed and into the oven!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Cooked egg noodles
- Browned ground beef
- Condensed tomato soup
- Golden mushroom soup
- Whole milk
- Dried minced onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir everything together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and creamy, coating the noodles and beef perfectly. The tomato soup and golden mushroom soup create a deep, savory flavor, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall taste. The Parmesan cheese helps bring in an extra layer of umami flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
If you like a little extra spice, now is the perfect time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the prepared mixture. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that the noodles and beef are distributed well throughout the dish.
To keep everything moist and prevent the top from drying out too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together while ensuring the noodles stay soft and creamy.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the covered dish into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the casserole will heat through, allowing the flavors to blend and the creamy sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. If you’re a fan of extra cheesy casseroles, feel free to add a little more!
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a slightly golden, crispy cheese topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving, Storing, and Answering Your Casserole Questions
Your Ground Beef Country Casserole is fresh out of the oven, bubbling with melted cheese and packed with rich, comforting flavors. Now it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Your Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few great side dish ideas:
- Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the casserole.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots make a great healthy addition.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley or a little more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about this casserole is how well it keeps for leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Now, let’s answer some common questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you want a different flavor. Just be sure to cook and drain it the same way as the ground beef.
2. What can I use instead of golden mushroom soup?
If you can’t find golden mushroom soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or beefy mushroom soup as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or spinach are great additions to mix in for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How can I make this casserole a little spicier?
If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
6. What cheese works best for this casserole?
Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different twist.
7. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and make sure your canned soups are gluten-free versions.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Country Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm and hearty dish, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
If you give this casserole a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you make any variations? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef Country Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This hearty and comforting country-style casserole is packed with flavorful ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The combination of tomato and golden mushroom soup adds a rich depth of flavor, while the melted Colby Jack cheese on top makes it irresistibly gooey. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or more, if desired)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Egg Noodles
Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them, but do not rinse, and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, browned ground beef, tomato soup, golden mushroom soup, milk, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the noodles from drying out or browning too much.
Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
