There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring the whole family to the table. This Ground Beef Country Casserole is a classic, packed with savory beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with melty Colby Jack cheese, it bakes to perfection, creating a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you need a simple weeknight meal or a hearty dish for a potluck, this casserole checks all the boxes. The combination of tomato and golden mushroom soup gives it a unique depth of flavor, while Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tangy kick. Best of all, it comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we begin, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef – The base of the casserole, bringing a rich, hearty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and warmth to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles – These soak up the creamy sauce while keeping a perfect texture.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup – Provides a slightly tangy and rich tomato base.
- 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup – Adds a savory, umami-packed depth.
- 1 cup whole milk – Helps create the creamy, smooth consistency of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion – A convenient way to add onion flavor without extra chopping.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Balances the flavors with a hint of tanginess.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty touch to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or more, if desired) – The perfect melty topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them well, but don’t rinse them—keeping a bit of that starchy coating helps the sauce cling better. Set them aside while you work on the beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef along with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Bringing It All Together: Mixing and Baking the Perfect Ground Beef Country Casserole
Now that the beef is cooked and the noodles are ready, it’s time to mix everything together and bake this hearty casserole to golden, cheesy perfection. This step is where all the flavors come together, creating a rich, creamy dish that’s packed with comforting goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl—you’ll need plenty of space to combine everything evenly. Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef, then pour in the following ingredients:
- 1 can of condensed tomato soup
- 1 can of condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly, making sure the noodles are well-coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce. The tomato and golden mushroom soups create a rich base, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a slight tangy depth that enhances the overall taste.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Once everything is mixed, pour the mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. This ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of noodles, beef, and sauce.
To keep the casserole moist while baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the noodles from drying out while allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the covered casserole in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens, the flavors deepen, and the casserole starts to take on that irresistible homemade aroma.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup (or more, if desired) of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you like a slightly crispy, golden cheese topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
For the perfect meal, pair this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The flavors are hearty and rich, so a light side dish balances everything beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Country Casserole
This casserole is a family favorite, but if you’re making it for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones to help you get the best results.
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
2. Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as instructed. If baking from frozen, add an extra 20-30 minutes to the covered baking time.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! While ground beef adds great flavor, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different taste. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Golden Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have golden mushroom soup, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
5. How Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding:
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper
- Diced jalapeños mixed into the beef for an extra kick
6. Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! If you want to add extra nutrition, mix in peas, corn, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach before baking. Frozen or canned veggies work well—just be sure to drain them before adding to prevent excess moisture.
Final Thoughts: A Comforting, Easy Meal for Any Occasion
This Ground Beef Country Casserole is the kind of meal that never fails to satisfy. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Plus, with its easy prep and simple ingredients, it’s a great go-to recipe when you need something hearty and homemade without a lot of fuss.
Give this casserole a try and let us know how you like it! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add some veggies, or even spice it up to suit your taste. However you make it, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!
PrintGround Beef Country Casserole
This hearty Ground Beef Country Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining savory beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The blend of tomato and golden mushroom soups adds rich flavor, while Colby Jack cheese creates a gooey, satisfying topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or more, if desired)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them without rinsing and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, browned beef, tomato soup, golden mushroom soup, milk, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top, and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
