A rich, creamy, and cheesy ground beef casserole with a golden, bubbly top. This easy family dinner is filling, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
3. Season the beef: Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Prepare the creamy mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine: Add the creamy mixture to the cooked ground beef and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
8. Top with more cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted.
10. Broil for a golden finish: If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
11. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
– Drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent an oily casserole.
– Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and gives the best texture.
– Use ground beef with about 85% lean meat for great flavor without too much grease.
– Add a little diced bell pepper or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
– Let the casserole rest before cutting so the creamy filling can settle.
– For extra cheesiness, add another ½ cup of mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy hamburger casserole with:
– A crisp garden salad.
– Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
– Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
– Buttered corn or roasted vegetables.
– Mashed potatoes for an extra-comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven.
You can also freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Details
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 45–50 minutes
– Servings: 6–8
– Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Why Your Family Will Love This Recipe
This cheesy ground beef casserole combines everything we love about homemade comfort food: savory beef, a creamy filling, and a generous blanket of melted cheese.
It’s simple enough for an ordinary weeknight but delicious enough to serve when the whole family gathers around the table. With affordable ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s a wonderful recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
One bite, and you’ll understand why cheesy casseroles never go out of style!