Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Without Tomatoes

Sharing is caring!

When you need a warm, hearty dinner the whole family will love, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole delivers.

this …

It’s rich, creamy, loaded with savory beef, and packed with melty cheese in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves classic comfort food without the acidity of tomatoes.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Prep level: Beginner +

Ingredient Notes

• Ground meat: Use lean ground beef for the balance of flavor and richness. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For an extra savory flavor, use a half-and-half combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Dry onion soup mix: This adds savory, beefy flavor without using multiple seasonings. If you don’t have dry soup mix on hand, you can use a blend of 2 tablespoons beef bouillon, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that brings everything together. Variations: Cream of mushroom soup is a popular swap.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the hamburger casserole. Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds a little protein.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: For best results, shred block cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese. Mix it up using Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Parmesan cheese, or a blend.
• Pasta: Tender, buttery egg noodles are great for soaking up the sauce. Cook just to al dente so they don’t get mushy while baking. Variations: Try rotini, penne, or elbow noodles. For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower florets or a low-carb noodle alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish. Cook egg noodles according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer to a large bowl.

Mix the dry onion soup packet and coat the crumbled cooked beef. Add the condensed soup and sour cream, stirring until completely combined. Stir in half of the cheese, mixing well. 

Add the noodles to the meat mixture. Stir until everything is combined. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake. Remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for before serving.

See the recipe card below for the complete measurements and cooking times.

Laura Belle’s Tips

1. Cook pasta just to al dente – Slightly undercook the egg noodles since they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
2. Drain well – After cooking the beef, drain off any excess fat so the casserole stays creamy, not oily.
3. Soften the sour cream – Let it sit at room temperature for a bit so it blends smoothly into the ground beef mixture.
4. Let it rest before serving – Give the casserole 5-10 minutes to set after baking so it holds together when you serve it.
5. Make it your own – Stir in extras like sautéed mushrooms, chopped onion, bell peppers, or spinach for added texture and flavor. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a more savory flavor.

What to Serve with Beef Casseroles

Pair this creamy dish with a lighter side:

• A crisp chopped green salad or a fresh arugula salad with a vinaigrette pairs well with a savory casserole.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables – A perfect addition to any weeknight meal. Think steamed broccoli, green beans, carrots, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls from Back To My Southern Roots are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Continue to Content

Yield: 6 servings

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Without Tomatoes

Print

An easy ground beef casserole without tomatoes that is creamy, full of flavor, and hearty. A simple, family-friendly dinner ready with pantry staples.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef (ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 packet of dry onion soup
• 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup (cream of golden mushroom soup)
• 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature
• 2 cups of shredded block sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 ounces of egg noodles

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to the package directions just until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Stir in the dry onion soup packet and mix well to coat the beef.
5. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in half of the cheese, mixing well. 
7. Gently fold the noodles into the meat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
12. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Helpful Tools

Large skillet

Large mixing bowl

9×13-inch baking dish, deep oven-safe skillet, or a large round casserole dish

Top Tips

• Cook pasta just to al dente.
• Drain off any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.
• For best results, let the sour cream soften to room temperature. 
• Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Stir in extras like sautéed mushrooms, chopped onion, or spinach for added texture and flavor. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a more savory flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 658Total Fat: 47gSaturated Fat: 24gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 873mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 44g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest