– **Title**: Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 12 ounces egg noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Fold in the cooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
8. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy your hearty Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are perfect for this casserole! If you’re low on egg noodles, you can swap them with any pasta you love – penne or rotini work great too.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef, but turkey or chicken can work as lighter options. Plant-based ground beef can also make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Onion: Chopped onion adds great flavor. If you prefer, shallots or green onions can be nice substitutes for a sweeter taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: These are core ingredients. If you don’t have diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes can be used, but the texture will change slightly.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess. For a lower-fat option, Greek yogurt works well, or you can try cream cheese for a thicker texture.
Cheese: Both cheddar and mozzarella give this casserole its cheesy goodness. Other cheese like Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack, can add a fun twist.
Fresh Parsley: This is mainly for garnish. If it’s not available, dried parsley or even basil works in a pinch.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the beef properly enhances flavor and ensures it’s safe to eat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by browning the beef over medium heat in your skillet. Break it up and stir it frequently for even cooking.
- Cook until there is no pink left, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onions and garlic before the beef is fully browned to let their flavors mix in. This will make your dish even tastier!
Don’t forget to drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Creamy and Cheesy Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices and Garnish:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 35 minutes to cook, making a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple dish that brings cozy comfort to your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets nice and bubbly!
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (that means they should still be firm to the bite). Once done, drain them well and set aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s well browned. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them together until the onion is soft and translucent. This step adds wonderful flavor to the meat!
4. Make the Sauce:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all those yummy flavors blend together nicely!
5. Combine Noodles and Meat:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture and sour cream. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well mixed. This will be the hearty filling for your casserole!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top it off with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
7. Bake It Up:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes so the cheese can become bubbly and golden brown—yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before diving in, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Now it’s time to serve and enjoy this cheesy delight!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute them with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente before mixing into the casserole.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if you’re using turkey or chicken, to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Mix everything up to baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold out of the fridge.
