Family-Size Cheesy Beef Ranch Bake – The Ultimate Ground Beef Casserole

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a comforting, family-style classic straight to your table? This dish is one of those old-fashioned, pass-around-the-table casseroles that generations relied on for busy nights, potlucks, and big family gatherings. 💛🍽️

A cheesy beef ranch bake is the kind of meal that warms both belly and heart—rich, satisfying, simple, and made with everyday ingredients. Picture savory ground beef simmered with seasonings, folded into tender pasta or potatoes (depending on the family tradition), coated in a creamy ranch mixture, and finished with a bubbly golden layer of cheese. It smells like home the moment it enters the oven.

Dishes like this come from a time when families cooked in big pans so everyone could dig in together. It’s hearty, filling, and designed to bring people closer around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this comforting casserole promises big flavor and happy faces.

Let’s get cooking—your kitchen is about to smell amazing! 😍🔥

Ingredients

Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce & Casserole Base:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (or 3 cups diced cooked potatoes)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion. Cook until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, ranch seasoning, cream soup, and milk until smooth.
3. Combine Everything:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta (or potatoes), beef mixture, and the creamy ranch sauce. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Add the Cheesy Topping:
   Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake and Serve:
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with green onions. Serve warm and watch it disappear! 😋🧀

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: approx. 480
🍽️ Servings: 6–8

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️