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Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Noodle Casserole

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a warm, hearty, and nostalgic comfort food combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a creamy, savory tomato sauce baked to perfection. Simple to make with pantry staples, it’s a kid-friendly, one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 12 oz wide egg noodles
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme mix)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent mushiness during baking.
  2. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in canned tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to develop flavors. Then, blend in sour cream or cream cheese to create a creamy, luscious sauce base.
  4. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked noodles into the beef sauce mixture, ensuring all noodles are well coated with sauce for balanced flavor.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.

Notes

  • Use fresh, grated cheddar cheese for the best melt and taste.
  • Cook noodles slightly under al dente as they will soften more in the oven.
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to help it set.
  • This recipe doubles well and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, noodle casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked beef casserole