Imagine walking into your kitchen, and the delightful aroma of a bubbling casserole greets you like an old friend. The savory scent of ground beef mingles with zesty tomatoes, and the cheese on top is golden brown, just waiting to be devoured. This is not just any dish; this is a 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole that brings warmth and comfort right to your table. easy crock pot meal another beef recipe similar casserole dish It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to hug your stove and tell it how much you appreciate its culinary contributions. ground chicken alternative.
Now, let’s take a moment to reminisce about my first encounter with this glorious casserole. Picture it: a chilly evening, my family gathered around the dinner table, and each bite was met with delighted murmurs. My uncle even declared it “life-changing,” which I found hilariously dramatic but also incredibly validating for my cooking skills. Nothing beats the joy of sharing a simple yet hearty dish that feels like home on a plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is super easy to prepare, allowing you more time to relax
- The rich flavors combine beautifully for a satisfying meal everyone will love
- With its colorful layers and bubbling cheese, it’s visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, it adapts easily to your favorite ingredients
My friends still talk about the time I made this casserole for game night—everyone went back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option that still delivers amazing flavor during cooking.
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Egg Noodles: Cooked until al dente, they provide the perfect base for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for those with Italian herbs added for an extra flavor boost in your casserole.
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Shredded Cheese: Go for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella to achieve that gooey, melty perfection on top.
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Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and richness while helping bind all ingredients together into one delightful dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add your egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain them well before mixing with other ingredients.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Make sure to crumble it well as it cooks so no big chunks remain.
Add Tomatoes and Sour Cream: Stir in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and sour cream into the beef mixture. Let simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix your drained egg noodles with the beef-tomato mixture until everything is evenly combined. You want every noodle coated in that delicious sauce!
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour everything into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly before topping generously with shredded cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
And there you have it—a simple yet satisfying 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole ready to impress! Enjoy every cheesy bite as you scoop out servings; don’t forget to share (or not) because this dish might just become your new favorite comfort food! For more inspiration, check out this ground beef and potatoes casserole recipe.
You Must Know
- This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- It’s quick to prepare, deliciously comforting, and can be tailored to suit your taste buds
- The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting at the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then layer your ingredients in a baking dish for even cooking. This method ensures each component melds beautifully together.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vegetables or use different types of cheese to personalize this casserole. You could even add some heat with jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
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- <p>Always drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole
- Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor; they make a noticeable difference!
- Don’t skip letting it rest before serving; it helps flavors settle beautifully.</p>
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Sharing this casserole recipe brings back memories of my friends’ surprised faces when they devoured it at our potluck. Who knew five ingredients could create such joy?

FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative for this casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta or rice as a base instead of regular pasta.
5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of this 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines lean ground beef, al dente egg noodles, zesty diced tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheese into a comforting meal that will have your family asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil water in a large pot, cook egg noodles until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked; crumble as it cooks.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and sour cream; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix drained noodles with the beef-tomato mixture until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg





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