The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and today I’m sharing a dish that always feels like a warm hug after a long day Creamy Ground Beef Casserole.
This recipe takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where food simmered slowly and conversations lasted longer than the cooking itself. Even though casseroles aren’t traditionally Greek, my grandmother loved adapting recipes to feed a full table of hungry people, especially women gathering after a busy day.
When I moved away from Crete, I learned that Creamy Ground Beef Casserole is one of those meals that feels like home no matter where you are. It’s simple, rich, cozy, and forgiving if your kitchen gets a little messy mine always does. I’ve made this casserole for neighbors, friends, and family dinners, and it never fails to bring smiles and second helpings.
I love how Creamy Ground Beef Casserole combines humble ingredients into something satisfying and indulgent without being complicated. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want to cook with love and no stress. If you’re new to cooking or already confident, this recipe welcomes you with open arms.
Cooking isn’t just about feeding people it’s about sharing stories, building memories, and creating moments around the table. This Creamy Ground Beef Casserole does exactly that, and I’m so excited to cook it with you.
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or egg noodles work best)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for one more minute.
- Lower the heat and add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and mix gently until everything is well coated.
- Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
📝 Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest result.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Sugar: 4g
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Creamy Ground Beef Casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up every creamy bite. For a cozy family night, serve it straight from the oven and let everyone help themselves that’s how the best memories are made.
If you’re hosting friends, pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness. This casserole also travels well, making it ideal for potlucks and shared meals.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Beef Casserole is one of those recipes that reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s warm, simple, and made to be shared. From my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete to your table, this dish carries comfort, love, and the joy of cooking for the people who matter most. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. 💛
