I might never forget the first time I attempted to recreate my grandmother’s classic beef stroganoff. Her version was a labor of love, simmering tender cuts of beef for hours until they melted in your mouth.

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As much as I cherished those flavors, I often found myself short on time but craving that comforting taste. That’s when I began experimenting with a more accessible version, leading me to this Cheesy Ground Beef Stroganoff Pasta Casserole.

By incorporating ground beef and adding a generous layer of cheese, I discovered a dish that not only paid homage to my grandmother’s recipe but also introduced a delightful twist that my family couldn’t resist.

Short Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Stroganoff Pasta Casserole combines tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
12 oz egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup sliced mushrooms

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Large pot
9×13-inch casserole dish
Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Mixing spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off and transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth to the skillet. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Then, add the cooked egg noodles, stirring until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. For a crispier crust, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

Why You’ll Love It

One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes in one dish for easy cleanup.

Creamy and Cheesy – Two kinds of cheese bring the melty, gooey topping.

Kid-Friendly Flavor – Familiar, hearty, and a hit with picky eaters.

Quick to Make – Ground beef cuts down the cooking time while keeping all the flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it earlier and pop it in the oven when ready.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Overcooked noodles –> Boil them just until al dente—they’ll soften more in the oven.

2. Greasy casserole –> Drain the beef well to keep the sauce creamy, not oily.

3. Bland flavor –> Don’t forget to taste and season the sauce before baking.

4. Dry top –> Cover loosely with foil if baking longer or reheating.

5. Watery sauce –> Let it rest before serving so the sauce can thicken.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with: A crisp side salad or steamed green beans

Bread idea: Garlic bread or buttery rolls for dipping

Drink with: A light red like Pinot Noir or a sparkling apple cider

Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color

Leftover tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in a covered baking dish or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Optional Variations

Switch the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner take.

Add veggies: Peas, spinach, or bell peppers work great.

Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes adds a gentle kick.

Change the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère.

Final Thoughts

Meals like this aren’t just about filling plates—they’re the ones people remember. It’s that kind of dinner you can rely on when you’re tired but still want to serve something warm and satisfying. Every time this casserole hits the table, it disappears fast, with someone usually scraping up the last cheesy bits from the pan.

It’s easy, practical, and always delivers the kind of flavor that feels like home. Perfect for busy nights, big families, or even quiet evenings when you want something cozy without overthinking it.