Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy, not-soggy casserole. The crispy golden cheese topping is irresistible. Try it with my Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Mini Bloomin' Onions with Creamy Ranch Dip and French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe.

What You'll Need for Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked macaroni, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in sour cream and milk. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Transfer beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Storing & Reheating Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamier casserole, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
• Best substitution: Use diced ham or cooked bacon instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Scaling: This recipe can be halved or doubled to fit your needs.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too dry, add more milk or sour cream when reheating. If it's too soupy, bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked macaroni, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in sour cream and milk. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Transfer beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamier casserole, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
• Best substitution: Use diced ham or cooked bacon instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Scaling: This recipe can be halved or doubled to fit your needs.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too dry, add more milk or sour cream when reheating. If it's too soupy, bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 470
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sat. Fat: 15g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole for Family Dinners and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!