My neighbor wrote this on an index card for me in 1982. Just four items needed, and the platter is always the first one empty at our late summer block parties.
This Oven-Baked Beef Bradford transforms ground beef into a warm, decadent dip or main dish, all covered in a blanket of melted cheddar. Blended with softened cream cheese and sour cream, this simple four-ingredient casserole bakes up hot, bubbly, and richly satisfying.
Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Beef Bradford
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat and prep – Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a medium ceramic baking dish.
- Brown the beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned throughout, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain away any excess grease.
- Combine cream base – Reduce the heat to low and stir the softened cream cheese and sour cream directly into the warm beef. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer and top – Spread the beef mixture into an even layer in your prepared baking dish, then scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbly – Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbling and the cheese on top is fully melted with golden edges.
- Rest and serve – Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy it with crackers, crusty bread, or spooned over tortilla chips.
