Ground Beef Dish
A hearty ground beef casserole with creamy mushroom sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles; drain.
- In a large skillet, combine ground beef, chopped onion, chopped celery, and sliced mushrooms; cook until beef is browned and celery is tender; drain excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, blend cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and shredded American cheese.
- Combine cooked noodles, ground beef mixture, and soup mixture; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until hot, about 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. You can also substitute the wide noodles with egg noodles if desired. Feel free to add in some diced bell peppers or use different types of cheese like cheddar for a twist. Make sure to season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty ground beef dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting family dinner. For a different flavor profile, consider serving alongside a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a light pasta salad. Explore more American recipes to diversify your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it is heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Dish contains roughly 327 calories, with 12g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or use another cream soup like cream of chicken. Additionally, a mix of heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms can create a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this ground beef casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, allowing extra time for it to cook through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).