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It’s Wednesday evening here in Heek, and the familiar question hangs in the air: “What’s for dinner?” On nights like these, in the middle of a busy week, I crave something that is guaranteed to be simple, hearty, and loved by everyone at my table. I need a culinary win without the fuss. That, for me, is always a casserole, or as we say in Germany, an Auflauf. And this Easy Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe is the king of them all.
This is the ultimate one-dish wonder. We’re talking savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender egg noodles, all lovingly tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The whole thing is then tucked under a glorious blanket of bubbly, golden-brown melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with an impossibly comforting aroma as it bakes.
This is my back-pocket recipe for a guaranteed weeknight success. It’s a hug in a dish, made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, and it promises to bring the whole family running to the dinner table with smiles on their faces.
The Comfort of a Classic Casserole
There’s a special kind of magic in a casserole. It’s a humble dish, but it’s packed with history and heart. It’s the quintessential comfort food, born from the need to create a satisfying and delicious meal with simple, everyday ingredients. This recipe is inspired by that tradition—a blend of classic European and American comfort that just works. It’s my go-to Feierabendrezept (after-work recipe) because it’s incredibly forgiving and the leftovers are pure gold. It’s not fancy, and that’s precisely why we love it. It’s honest, delicious, and tastes like home.
Why This Casserole is a Weeknight Warrior:
- Simple, Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This recipe is built around pantry and refrigerator staples like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes.
- A True One-Dish Meal: With your protein, carbs, and a creamy sauce all baked together, you don’t need much else to feel completely satisfied.
- Perfect for Making Ahead: This is a meal prepper’s dream! You can assemble it when you have a spare moment and bake it right when you need it.
- Guaranteed to Please Everyone: The savory, creamy, and cheesy flavor combination is a certified hit with picky eaters and hungry adults alike.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Ground Beef Casserole:
- Egg Noodles (Eiernudeln): 340g (12 oz), wide or medium. Other pasta shapes work too!
- Lean Ground Beef (Rinderhackfleisch): 500g (about 1 lb).
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons.
- Beef Broth (Rinderbrühe): 350 ml (1 ½ cups).
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (400g / 14.5 oz), undrained.
- Sour Cream (Schmand or Saure Sahne): 240g (1 cup), full-fat is best.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Shredded Cheese: 200g (2 cups), a good melting cheese like Gouda, Emmentaler, or a Cheddar blend.
Helpful Equipment:
- A large pot (for cooking the noodles).
- A large skillet.
- A 9×13 inch (or similar 3-quart) casserole dish (
Auflaufform).
Time Estimates
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s assemble this cozy, one-dish wonder.
Step 1: Cook the Noodles Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease your casserole dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but undercook them by about 1-2 minutes so they are still firm (al dente). They will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Beef Sauce While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another minute to toast the flour.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Base Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it cool for just a moment, then stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Bake Add the drained, cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef sauce and stir gently until everything is well combined. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes, Tips, & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: The most important tip for a great texture! Cooking them al dente ensures they don’t turn mushy after baking in the sauce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance. Assemble the entire casserole, but don’t bake it. Let it cool, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add more vegetables! A cup of frozen corn or peas can be stirred in with the sour cream. You can also sauté shredded carrots or chopped mushrooms with the onion.
- Pasta Swaps: No egg noodles? No problem. Any medium pasta shape like penne, rotini, or macaroni works beautifully in this recipe.
The Coziest Easy Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 340 g 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 500 g 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 350 ml 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 can 400g diced tomatoes, undrained
- 240 g 1 cup sour cream (Schmand)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200 g 2 cups shredded Gouda or Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package time). Drain.
- While noodles cook, brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
- Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually stir in beef broth, then add diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top evenly with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Undercooking the noodles slightly prevents them from getting mushy in the oven.
- Assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
- Add frozen corn or peas for an extra vegetable boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, this is one of the best things about it! You can fully assemble the casserole, then let it cool completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, bake it covered for the first 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
2. Can I freeze this ground beef casserole? Absolutely. It freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, let it cool, and then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen, adding about 30-40 minutes to the total baking time (keep it covered with foil for the first half of baking).
3. What can I use instead of egg noodles? Any sturdy, medium-sized pasta shape will work great. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or even classic macaroni are all excellent substitutes. Just remember to cook them al dente!
4. How can I add more vegetables to this casserole? This recipe is a great base for adding extra veggies. You can sauté 1-2 shredded carrots or a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onion. You can also stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn (or a mix!) when you add the sour cream. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
Ready for a Hug in a Dish?
I truly hope this easy and comforting casserole becomes a favorite in your family, just as it is in mine. It’s the kind of reliable, delicious meal that makes a busy weeknight feel a little more relaxed and a lot more cozy. If you make it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
For more family-friendly dinner inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram. Happy cooking! This is also super tasty Mediterranean Beef Dinner Recipe with Vegetables.