Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’ll have your family racing to the dinner table, this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. I mean, what’s not to love? The creamy combination of sour cream and mushroom soup creates this luxurious base that perfectly coats every bite of pasta.
The melty Italian cheese blend forms that irresistible golden top, while the spicy queso adds a surprising kick. And let’s be honest—when dinner comes together in just 30 minutes of baking time, you’ve got a weeknight winner that satisfies both your schedule and your comfort food cravings.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole?
This cheesy ground beef casserole is all about simple, hearty ingredients that combine to create the ultimate comfort food experience. What makes this recipe so appealing is how it transforms everyday pantry staples into something truly special—a bubbling, golden casserole that’s guaranteed to disappear fast at the dinner table. The combination of creamy elements with perfectly seasoned beef creates that satisfying texture we all crave in a good casserole.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any short variety works well)
- 4 ounces Tostitos spicy queso supreme
- 4 ounces Italian cheese blend, shredded
When shopping for these ingredients, feel free to make some thoughtful swaps based on what you have on hand. Not a fan of spice? The regular Tostitos queso works perfectly fine. Want to boost the nutrition? Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach when browning the beef. And while the recipe calls for an Italian cheese blend, you could absolutely use cheddar, monterey jack, or whatever melty cheese is hanging out in your refrigerator. The beauty of casseroles is their flexibility—they’re forgiving dishes that welcome your personal touch.
How to Make this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Making this comforting casserole couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F – this moderate temperature guarantees our casserole gets that perfect bubbly, golden top without drying out.
While the oven heats up, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet along with 3 minced garlic cloves. There’s something so satisfying about the aroma of garlic and beef sizzling together, isn’t there? Be certain to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks for the best texture throughout the casserole.
Meanwhile, cook 2 cups of pasta according to package directions until just al dente. You actually want it slightly undercooked since it’ll continue softening in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, a 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, and 4 ounces of Tostitos spicy queso supreme. This creamy mixture is what gives our casserole its irresistible richness.
Once your beef is browned and pasta is cooked, drain both well and add them to your creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer this heavenly concoction to a casserole dish, then sprinkle 4 ounces of Italian cheese blend over the top. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s begging to be scooped onto plates and devoured immediately.
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for this cheesy ground beef casserole is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.
I often swap ground turkey or chicken when I’m watching calories. No cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken works wonderfully. The pasta is flexible too—rotini, penne, or even macaroni all hold up nicely.
Sometimes I add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies (my sneaky mom trick). For a southwestern twist, try pepper jack cheese and a can of diced green chiles.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
A hearty cheesy ground beef casserole deserves complementary side dishes that balance its rich flavors without competing for attention.
I always pair mine with a crisp garden salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil—the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
Roasted vegetables are another go-to; Brussels sprouts or broccoli develop lovely caramelized edges in the oven while I’m preparing the casserole.
Can you believe I once served it with just chips? Never again.
For bread lovers, garlic bread works wonders for sopping up any extra sauce.
Trust me, nothing beats that cheesy-garlicky combination on a busy Tuesday night.
Final Thoughts
Now let’s talk about my final impressions of this cheesy ground beef casserole. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints.
The combination of creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and that spicy queso gives it a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. What I love most? It’s adaptable.
Had a busy day? Prep it ahead and bake when ready. Need to stretch your budget? Add extra pasta or some frozen veggies.
Trust me, this casserole will become your back-pocket recipe for those nights when cooking feels impossible but takeout isn’t an option.
Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with minced garlic, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- While the beef cooks, prepare pasta according to package directions until just al dente (slightly undercooked).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and Tostitos spicy queso supreme.
- Drain the cooked beef and pasta well, then add both to the creamy mixture.
- Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
