This cheesy baked ground beef casserole is a rich, comforting, and easy one-pan meal made with seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without complicated steps.
The base of the dish is savory ground beef cooked until browned and flavorful. It’s then combined with a creamy binder that helps hold everything together while baking. A generous layer of melted cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that makes every bite gooey and satisfying.
This casserole is highly versatile—you can keep it simple or add vegetables, pasta, or cauliflower depending on your preference. It’s also great for meal prep because it reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or prepping lunches for the week, this dish delivers classic comfort food flavor with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the beef
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Drain excess grease.
2. Make the creamy mixture
- Reduce heat and stir in:
- sour cream
- cream cheese
- heavy cream
- Mix until smooth and combined.
3. Assemble casserole
- Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish.
- Spread evenly.
- Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
5. Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrient Facts (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Tips for Best Results
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t skip draining the beef or it may become greasy.
- Let it rest before cutting so it holds shape.
- Add extra cheese if you want a thicker crust.
Variations
Keto Version
Add cauliflower rice or chopped spinach instead of starches.
Loaded Casserole
Top with bacon bits and green onions.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Pasta Bake Style
Mix in cooked pasta before baking for a classic casserole feel.
