🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Casserole (Easy Weeknight Bake!)

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole

If there’s one dish that lives rent-free in my brain this time of year, it’s this Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole. This comforting, creamy casserole is the reason my kitchen smells like love at least once a week. It’s cozy. It’s creamy. It’s what I make when the day has wrung me dry, and all I want is something hot and cheesy I can scoop straight from the dish.

What I love most? It’s uncomplicated comfort food. No weird ingredients. No boiling sauces. No judgment if you eat it standing over the stove in your socks. 😅

This casserole was born in my kitchen on one of “those” nights no plan, no groceries, and a toddler melting down over string cheese. I had ground beef, a block of cream cheese, and a little leftover pasta. I crossed my fingers and baked it all together. And the result? Pure gold.

Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

• It’s budget-friendly – ground beef and pantry staples = win.
• It’s super flexible – toss in what you have!
• It’s a crowd-pleaser – picky eaters, meet your match.
• It makes killer leftovers – some say better the next day!

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student cooking in a tiny kitchen, or just someone who needs a break from “fancy,” this casserole is your new go-to. ❤️

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Work)

This Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole isn’t fussy and that’s exactly why it’s one of the most-loved recipes in my house. The ingredients are simple, familiar, and come together like magic. That’s the charm. You probably already have most of these tucked away in your fridge or pantry and if not, I’ve got easy swaps you can try.

🥩 Ground Beef

You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef I usually go with 85/15 because it has just enough fat to keep everything juicy without turning greasy. Leaner beef works, too, especially since we’re adding cream cheese.

💡 Swap tip: You can sub in ground turkey or ground sausage for a different flavor twist. I’ve even used leftover taco meat in a pinch. It’s all good.

🧂 Seasonings

This is the part that takes it from bland to bold. Here’s my go-to blend:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but gives it that warm little kick)

✨ Pro tip: Taste as you go the cream cheese softens the flavor, so don’t be afraid to season generously.

🧀 Cream Cheese (The Star!)

One 8 oz block of full-fat cream cheese, softened. No whipped tubs here! The block-style cream cheese melts into the beef like a dream and creates that luscious, velvety texture we’re after.

💡 Quick softening tip: If you forget to take it out ahead of time (guilty), just cut it into chunks and microwave it for 10–15 seconds.

🍝 Pasta or Base Layer (Totally Optional)

Some nights I want this casserole hearty and carb-y, so I add:

• 3 cups of cooked macaroni or egg noodles

But! You can totally skip the pasta and still have a rich, low-carb bake. Sometimes I even layer it over roasted cauliflower or cooked zucchini noodles.

🌀 Other options: penne, rigatoni, or even tater tots as the base (yes, really!).

🧀 Shredded Cheese (On Top and Glorious)

Here’s where the magic gets golden and bubbly:

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella (for extra melty drama)

You could also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Tex-Mex blend if you’re feeling spicy.

🌽 Optional Add-Ins

I love how flexible this dish is it’s like a casserole canvas. Here are my go-to extras:

• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper or onion (sautéed with beef)
• 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas (just toss them in frozen!)
• 1/4 cup sour cream for extra richness (especially if skipping pasta)

👩‍🍳 Make it your own: Sneak in spinach, mushrooms, black beans, or even a layer of hash browns underneath. This dish doesn’t judge.
🍳 How to Make Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole recipe comes together in five easy steps no fancy tools, no tricky methods, and definitely no judgment if you lick the spoon. 😄 You’ll go from stovetop to table in under an hour, and your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven.

🥄 Step 1 – Brown and Season the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef. Let it sizzle and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When it’s no longer pink, drain off the excess fat (I just tilt the pan and spoon it out carefully).

Now it’s flavor time. Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all in so every bite of beef gets a little love. If you’re adding chopped onion or green pepper, this is the perfect moment to sauté them right alongside the beef they’ll get tender and flavorful without needing another pan. (Yay for fewer dishes!)

🧈 Step 2 – Stir in the Cream Cheese Until Velvety

Lower the heat and add your softened cream cheese right into the skillet. This part feels like a little culinary magic the cream cheese melts slowly into the beef, turning it into a rich, creamy filling that smells divine. Stir gently but thoroughly, letting it coat every bit of beef in creamy goodness.

✨ Little tip: If your cream cheese isn’t melting smoothly, add a splash of milk or a spoonful of sour cream to help it along.

🧺 Step 3 – Layer in a Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or whatever you’ve got I’ve made this in an 8×8 and just piled it higher!).

If you’re using pasta or noodles, spread them on the bottom of the dish. Then pour the beef and cream cheese mixture on top and gently spread it out with a spatula.

It won’t look glamorous yet, but hang tight the cheesy topping is coming.

🧀 Step 4 – Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle your cheddar and mozzarella generously over the top. Be as extra as you want here this is not the moment to be shy.

Your Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole is ready for the oven! Slide the dish in and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, The smell? It’ll have people wandering in asking, “What’s in the oven?” And you’ll feel like a weeknight wizard. 🧙‍♀️

⏳ Step 5 – Let It Rest (The Hardest Part)

I know, I know. It smells amazing. But let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before digging in. It helps everything settle and makes those cheesy, creamy layers easier to slice and serve.

Sometimes I light a candle, put on Nora Jones, and set the table while I wait. (Okay, Or I whip up a batch of Mini Cream Cheese Biscuits to go with it. Same energy.)Sometimes I just scroll Instagram and snack on the shredded cheese I didn’t use.

💡 Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Casserole Success

This casserole is super forgiving, but a few tiny tweaks can really level up your final dish. Here’s everything I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way 😅) to make sure it turns out perfect every time.

🕰️ When to Add Cream Cheese to Ground Beef

Always, always add the cream cheese after the beef is browned and drained. Adding it too early while there’s still liquid or too much heat can cause it to break or get oily. Keep the skillet on low heat and stir slowly until it melts into a dreamy sauce.

Think of this step as the heart of the recipe. You’re not just mixing you’re marrying the beef and cream cheese. 🧡

🥄 How to Keep It Creamy

Even though cream cheese is naturally rich, it can tighten up a bit during baking. So here are some easy hacks:

• Add a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of milk when stirring in the cream cheese.
• Don’t overbake once the cheese on top is bubbly and golden, it’s done.
• Always rest the casserole before slicing. It sets everything beautifully.

🧊 Make-Ahead + Freezer Tips

This casserole was made for busy weeks and freezer meals. Here’s how to prep smart:

• Make-Ahead: Assemble everything (don’t bake yet), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.
• Freeze: Let the casserole cool completely after baking. Then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.

👩‍🍳 Quick trick: Freeze individual servings in airtight containers. It’s like having your own personal comfort-food stash.

🔄 Variations to Try

Want to shake it up? I got you. This casserole is endlessly flexible. Think of the base recipe as your cozy little blueprint and these are all the fun ways you can remix it. I first saw this cheesy idea years ago on this Pinterest board of comfort casseroles.

🌮 Tex-Mex Twist

• Add 2 tsp taco seasoning to the beef
• Stir in black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes
• Top with pepper jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips before baking

✨ It’s basically taco night… in a bubbly casserole dish.

🥦 Low-Carb Version

Or keep it low-carb with our Cream Cheese Mashed Cauliflower Bake.

• Roasted cauliflower florets
• Zucchini noodles
• Riced broccoli

It’s just as comforting and a great way to sneak in veggies if you’ve got a skeptical eater.

🥔 Crust-Lover’s Dream

If you’re the type who loves a crispy topping (me 🙋‍♀️), try one of these:

• Top with tater tots before baking (YUM)
• Use store-bought biscuit dough or puff pastry cut into rounds
• Add breadcrumbs tossed in butter for a golden crunch

🔥 Want It Spicy?

• Swap ground beef for spicy Italian sausage
• Add diced green chilies
• Mix in a few shakes of hot sauce or cayenne

It’ll give you a little fire without overwhelming the cheesy goodness.

🍽️ What to Serve with This Casserole

This Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole is rich, cheesy, and hearty all on its own making it the perfect anchor to a simple weeknight dinner. a one-pan wonder that honestly doesn’t need much else. But if you’re setting the table for a full meal (or just love a good sidekick), here are some ideas that play really well with it:

🥖 Something Bready

You need something to swipe through the cheesy corners of the casserole dish, right?

• Garlic bread or Texas toast
• Dinner rolls with soft butter
• Buttery crescent rolls (store-bought works perfectly)

🥗 Something Fresh and Crunchy

Try this Whipped Cream Cheese Ranch Dip with raw veggies for a cool, crunchy side.

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Cucumber and tomato salad with lemon juice
• Coleslaw for a tangy crunch

🧡 Tip: Add sliced pickles or pickled red onions on the side the acidity really wakes everything up.

🥦 Something Roasted or Steamed

If you want a veggie on the table, here are a few easy options:

• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Steamed carrots with a bit of brown sugar
• Air-fried Brussels sprouts (crispy and perfect)

🧊 Storing + Reheating Leftovers

Honestly, this Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole tastes even better the next day. The flavors settle and get cozy together, and it reheats like a dream.

🧺 In the Fridge

Let the casserole cool to room temp before storing. Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

❄️ In the Freezer

Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Here’s how:

• Let it cool completely after baking.
• Wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Label and date it (future you will thank you).
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warm.

🔥 Reheating Tips

Microwave a single portion with a splash of milk or water to keep it from drying out. Cover with a paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes depending on size).

❓ FAQ – Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole

These are some of the top questions folks ask when they’re searching for Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole ideas and I’ve got you covered with answers that are easy to understand and straight from the stovetop. ❤️

🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Casserole (Easy Weeknight Bake!)

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Print Recipe

This creamy ground beef and cream cheese casserole is comfort food at its finest cheesy, hearty, and easy to make in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights and totally kid-approved!

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)

– 1 tsp salt

– 1/2 tsp black pepper

– 1/2 tsp garlic powder

– 1/2 tsp onion powder

– Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

– 8 oz cream cheese (block-style, softened)

– 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles (optional)

– 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper or onion (sautéed)

– Optional: 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas

– Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream for extra creaminess

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

4. Add the softened cream cheese and stir on low heat until fully melted and creamy. If needed, add a splash of milk or sour cream to loosen the mixture.

5. Spread cooked pasta into the baking dish (if using), then layer the beef and cream cheese mixture over the top and smooth it out.

6. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

– For a Tex-Mex twist, stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

– Want it low-carb? Skip the noodles and layer the beef over roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.

– Leftovers keep beautifully and reheat well — some say it’s even better the next day.

• Author: EMMA
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American