Description
Hearty beef noodle casserole combines classic comfort food with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and creamy cheese sauce. Diners will savor each comforting bite of this classic midwestern dish that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces or 285 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Create the casserole base by mixing cooked noodles, seasoned beef, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist on this classic comfort dish, boosting fiber and nutritional value.
- Keep extra moisture at bay by thoroughly draining noodles and beef to prevent a soggy casserole texture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that work perfectly with the existing seasonings.
- Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg