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Southern Cheesy Ground Beef Bake Recipe


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  • Author: Penny Smith
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

There’s something special about the aroma of a cheesy, bubbling casserole filling your kitchen — it instantly feels like home. This Southern Cheesy Ground Beef Bake is the definition of hearty comfort food. With tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or potlucks. It’s simple to prepare, made with pantry-friendly ingredients, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 2 cups cooked rice or cooked macaroni

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed

  • 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers

  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish


Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

  • Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  • Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir and cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.

  • In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

  • Add the cooked beef mixture, rice or macaroni, corn, peas, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

  • Spread the beef mixture evenly into the dish. Top with remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

  • Melt the butter and mix with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.

  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.

  • Substitute rice with macaroni for a heartier pasta bake.

  • Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

  • For a lighter version, use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and light sour cream.

  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes