The pan hisses as golden ground beef hits the heated surface, releasing an aroma that instantly signals comfort food is on the way. Steam rises from the skillet while onions soften alongside the browning meat, creating the foundation for something truly satisfying. This Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole transforms the classic Russian dish into a family-friendly baked pasta that delivers all the creamy, savory flavors you crave in half the time.
Unlike traditional stroganoff that requires constant stirring and precise timing, this Comfort Food Recipe combines everything in a single baking dish. Moreover, the pasta cooks directly in the casserole, absorbing all those rich flavors while you attend to other tasks. Additionally, this Easy Ground Beef Meal feeds a family of six for under $15, making it both budget-friendly and delicious.
Furthermore, busy weeknights call for recipes that work with your schedule, not against it. This Weeknight Casserole requires just 20 minutes of prep time before the oven does the heavy lifting. The result? A Creamy Dinner Idea that satisfies even the pickiest eaters while providing enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Ingredients
This Ground Beef Pasta recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that create maximum flavor impact:
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best, or substitute ground turkey)
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (pappardelle or fettuccine work as alternatives)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (white onion substitutes well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or white button varieties)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade white sauce)
- 8 oz sour cream, room temperature (Greek yogurt works as a lighter option)
- 1 cup beef broth (vegetable broth for lighter flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds that signature tang)
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked varieties both work)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Gruyere creates a gourmet twist)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs substitute fine)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (dried parsley works in a pinch)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this Family Dinner Ideas recipe lies in its flexibility. Consequently, most ingredients can be swapped based on what’s available in your kitchen.
Timing
This Cheesy Pasta Bake comes together faster than traditional stroganoff methods:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Compared to stovetop stroganoff that typically takes 75 minutes of active cooking, this casserole saves you 20 minutes while requiring less hands-on attention. Additionally, the oven method means you can prepare side dishes or help with homework while dinner cooks itself.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Setup
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. This Beef Stroganoff Recipe works best when everything is ready before you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Foundation
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until they’re just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than recommended. Subsequently, drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushy results.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned. Furthermore, don’t stir too frequently, as this allows proper browning that adds flavor depth to your Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onions to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking another 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture. Season with salt and pepper during this stage.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with panko breadcrumbs for added texture. This creates a golden, crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Nutritional Information
This Comfort Food Recipe provides substantial nutrition per serving (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 320mg | 32% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
The high protein content makes this Family Dinner Ideas recipe particularly satisfying. Additionally, the combination of beef and dairy provides essential B-vitamins, iron, and calcium that growing families need.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Easy Ground Beef Meal into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor:
Protein Swaps: Replace ground beef with 93/7 lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce saturated fat by 40%. Similarly, mixing half ground beef with half finely diced mushrooms cuts calories while maintaining meaty texture.
Dairy Modifications: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add probiotics and reduce fat content. Furthermore, using part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar saves 60 calories per serving.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost fiber and vitamins. These additions also help stretch the recipe to serve more people.
Whole Grain Options: Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber from 3g to 6g per serving. The nutty flavor complements the mushroom sauce particularly well.
Serving Suggestions
This Weeknight Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its rich flavors:
Fresh Accompaniments: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans also provide color and nutrition balance.
Bread Options: Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread complete the comfort food experience. However, given the pasta base, bread isn’t essential unless feeding very hungry teenagers.
Wine Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot complements the beef flavors, while a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the cream sauce nicely.
Garnish Ideas: Fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream provides extra richness for those who want it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even this foolproof Creamy Dinner Idea can go wrong with these common errors:
Overcooking the Pasta: Since pasta continues cooking in the oven, undercook it initially by 1-2 minutes. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and unappetizing in casseroles.
Using Cold Sour Cream: Cold dairy can curdle when mixed with hot ingredients. Let sour cream reach room temperature for 30 minutes before using, or temper it with a spoonful of the warm mixture first.
Skipping the Rest Period: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.
Inadequate Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Casseroles often need more seasoning than stovetop dishes.
Wrong Baking Dish Size: Using a dish that’s too small creates overflow, while too large results in dried-out edges. A 9×13-inch dish is perfect for this recipe quantity.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Cheesy Pasta Bake stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep:
Refrigerator Storage: Cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Freezer Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for quick single servings.
Reheating Instructions: From refrigerated, cover and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, but don’t add the cheese topping until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By transforming traditional stroganoff into a simple baked dish, you get all the creamy, savory satisfaction with minimal effort. The recipe feeds a family generously while staying budget-friendly and nutritious.
Most importantly, this Beef Stroganoff Recipe adapts easily to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Whether you choose healthier substitutions or stick with the classic version, you’ll have a reliable weeknight dinner that everyone will request again and again.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how simple it is to create restaurant-quality comfort food at home. Share your results and any creative variations you discover, we’d love to hear how this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole becomes a staple in your meal rotation.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything except the cheese topping up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add cheese and bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes to account for the cold start.
What’s the best ground beef fat content for this recipe?
80/20 ground beef provides the ideal balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can become dry, while fattier blends may make the dish greasy.
Can I substitute different types of pasta?
Wide egg noodles work best, but penne, rigatoni, or shells also work well. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, which breaks down during baking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The cheese should be melted and lightly golden, and the edges should bubble slightly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out hot.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use two 9×13-inch pans or one large roasting pan. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness in the center.
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