Special Ground Beef Casserole
A hearty ground beef casserole with creamy cheese, tender noodles, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onions and diced green pepper in butter in a large frypan until onions are transparent.
- Add lean ground beef; stir until browned.
- Add tomato soup, catsup, salt, and pepper; simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend milk, cream cheese, and lemon juice; add garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
- Add cream cheese mixture to cooked noodles and mix well.
- Spread the noodle mixture in an 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Pour beef sauce over the noodles.
- Sprinkle grated sharp Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for the ground beef. You can also swap the cream cheese for ricotta if you prefer a lighter texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can save you some effort. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning after adding the tomato soup and catsup to achieve the desired flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Great Chili for a comforting dinner spread. For a heartier option, consider offering warm bread or rolls on the side. Leftovers also make for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Ground Beef Casserole contains roughly 385 calories, with 15g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1662mg per serving (72% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both will provide a creamy consistency, though the flavor will vary slightly. This swap can also lighten the dish while keeping it delicious.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like tempeh or crumbled tofu. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of your chosen vegetarian ingredients.
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).