Grandma’s ground beef casserole is a nostalgic, comforting dish that blends tender noodles, hearty beef, and rich tomato sauce, all crowned with bubbling cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is simple, satisfying, and full of homestyle flavor.

With just a few pantry staples, Grandma’s ground beef casserole comes together quickly and easily, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist. This classic comfort meal is hearty enough to feed a crowd and perfect for freezing too!
Star Ingredients for Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
- Egg noodles or short pasta – The foundation of the casserole, offering a tender, chewy texture that soaks up the sauce.
- Ground beef – Adds savory depth and hearty richness, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
- Green bell pepper – Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that complements the other hearty ingredients.
- Tomato sauce – Creates a rich, tangy base that ties all the flavors together into one delicious sauce.
- Cream cheese – Adds luscious creaminess, giving the casserole an irresistible, velvety texture.
- Sharp Cheddar cheese – Melts to golden perfection on top, delivering sharp, salty goodness in every bite.
How to Whip Up Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
Begin by cooking your noodles just until al dente and setting them aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef in olive oil, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Toss in the diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing until they soften.
Season the beef mixture with garlic granules, salt, and pepper, then pour in the tomato sauce, letting it simmer to deepen the flavors. Stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Layer the cooked noodles into a greased baking dish, then pour the hearty meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then let the casserole rest before serving.
Cozy Tips for the Perfect Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole
For an even richer casserole, swap half the tomato sauce with a can of diced tomatoes for added texture. If you love a little kick, stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. Want a veggie boost? Fold in some spinach or mushrooms just before layering.
Choosing a sharper Cheddar will give the topping an extra punch of flavor, and letting the casserole rest after baking ensures clean slices and more defined layers.

How to Store and Reheat This Homestyle Favorite
Leftovers of Grandma’s ground beef casserole are pure gold! Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for a quick, cozy meal.
Would you like me to suggest a few side dishes that would pair beautifully with this casserole too?

Grandmother’s Classic Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 pound egg noodles or short pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 ½ cups sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat at 350°F. Boil the egg noodles or short pasta following the package directions until just tender, drain thoroughly, and set aside. In a spacious skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks until no longer pink. Incorporate the diced onion and green bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Mix in the garlic granules, salt, and ground black pepper, stirring well to season. Add the tomato sauce, stir to combine, and allow the mixture to reach a simmer, letting it bubble gently for a few minutes. Blend the softened cream cheese into the sauce, ensuring it melts fully and the sauce is creamy. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then lay the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom. Spoon the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it out to cover them completely. Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm.