Grandma’s ground beef casserole is just like the one Nana used to make! This homestyle ground beef casserole is super easy to whip up and feeds a crowd with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Grandma’s ground beef casserole is a classic dish made with ground beef, egg noodles, green bell peppers, tomato sauce and creamy soft cheese that’s baked with lots of shredded cheddar on top for the most comforting quick family dinner.

It’s a simple yet delicious recipe the entire family will love as it’s satisfying and full of flavor at the same time.

This homestyle ground beef casserole is also budget-friendly and easily adaptable based on whatever veggies or cheese you may have in the fridge.

And if you're looking for more delicious casserole recipes, try my Tuna Tetrazzini next!

Why you’ll love this Grandma's ground beef casserole recipe

Super easy to make — You simply boil up some egg noodles or pasta, and while they’re cooking, you whip up ground beef and tomato sauce. You then toss everything together and bake with lots of shredded cheese on top.
Budget-friendly — Grandma certainly knew how to budget, and this recipe is made with basic, affordable ingredients.
A hit with the kids! — This easy beef casserole is just the kind of dish kids will love.

What you’ll need

Egg noodles — Both egg noodles and short pasta like peen or fusilli work well here. Make sure you don’t ever cook the pasta because it will get mushy in the casserole.

Ground beef — Use your preferred kind of ground beef — a slightly higher fat content can add more flavor, but you can choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Remove some of the grease as needed after cooking the ground beef.

Onion and green bell pepper — Dice the onion and green bell pepper uniformly so it cooks evenly.

Garlic granules — These provide a more consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish compared to fresh garlic. If you want to use fresh garlic, crushing it is best.

grandma’s ground beef casserole with cheddar

Tomato sauce — Choose a good quality tomato sauce as it forms the base of your casserole's sauce. For extra flavor, look for versions with added herbs or garlic.

Cream cheese — This adds a creamy, tangy layer that contrasts nicely with the tomato and beef.

Sharp Cheddar cheese — Grate the cheese yourself for better melting and flavor.

How to make Grandma's ground beef casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cook the egg noodles or short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

grandma’s ground beef casserole cooking steps

Stir in garlic granules, salt, and ground black pepper.

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes.

Stir in the softened cream cheese, making sure it’s completely incorporated into the sauce.

grandma’s ground beef casserole making instructions

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (cooking spray is fine) and place the cooked noodles on the bottom.

Pour the meat sauce on top of the pasta and spread it evenly, then sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese on top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, then serve warm.

Helpful tips

This is a great casserole to prepare in advance and freeze. It’s best to prepare it and then freeze it before baking.
When cooking the egg noodles or pasta, aim for al dente texture. They will continue cooking in the oven, so this prevents them from becoming overly soft.
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the casserole. This makes it easier to spread and mix, ensuring a creamy texture throughout.
Always preheat your oven before baking. A properly preheated oven ensures the casserole cooks evenly and achieves a perfectly melted cheese topping.

Substitutions and variations

Instead of egg noodles, try using other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options for a different texture.
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Swap sharp Cheddar with a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for creaminess or Parmesan for a nutty flavor.

What to serve with ground beef casserole

Steamed vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy and colorful addition that balances the hearty casserole.
Garlic bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping and scooping up the sauce.
Green salad: Serve Grandma’s casserole with a fresh green salad to add some crispiness and complement the richness of the dish.

Leftovers and storage

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure you allow it to cool completely first.
To reheat, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until heated through.
For freezing, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

If you liked this grandma’s ground beef casserole, you might also like some of my other easy recipes:

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