🔄 Can you mix ground beef with cream cheese?

Absolutely, and it’s one of my favorite tricks for turning ground beef into something extra special. Once your beef is fully cooked and drained, stir in softened cream cheese over low heat. It melts into the meat like a creamy dream no need for a roux or canned soup. It’s a simple way to make your casserole feel fancy without actually doing anything fancy. 😉

🤠 Why is it called John Wayne casserole?

The John Wayne casserole is named after you guessed it the legendary cowboy actor himself. According to food lore, John Wayne submitted a spicy ground beef and biscuit casserole to a charity cookbook back in the 1970s. Over the years, it’s been remixed into a Tex-Mex-style bake with jalapeños, salsa, and cheese. This Medium article explains the John Wayne casserole origin in more detail if you're curious. According to food lore, John Wayne submitted a spicy ground beef and biscuit casserole to a charity cookbook back in the 1970s. Over the years, it’s been remixed into a Tex-Mex-style bake with jalapeños, salsa, and cheese.

⏱️ When to add cream cheese to ground beef?

Always stir in cream cheese after browning and draining your beef. The skillet should be on low heat so the cream cheese can melt slowly and evenly. If you toss it in too early (like while the beef is still cooking), it can break or turn greasy.

🧀 What is a mac and cheese with ground beef called?

It goes by a few different names depending on who you ask: Cheeseburger Macaroni Beefy Mac and Cheese Hamburger Helper (hello, nostalgia!) This recipe is similar but with a cozy twist: the cream cheese gives it a richer, smoother texture and makes it feel more homemade than boxed.

The Best Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Casserole in 2025

Name: 🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Casserole (Easy Weeknight Bake!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Ingredients

Scale

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