Cheesy Beef And Noodle Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe for Tonight

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering cheesy beef and noodle casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Layers of tender beef mingle with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, adding a rich and creamy texture that makes this meal irresistible.

The combination of simple ingredients brings together a classic recipe that everyone will love.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first delicious forkful of this comforting casserole.

Home cooks will appreciate how easily this meal comes together, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this casserole has become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Everyone Will Remember

  • Burst with Unique Flavors: Dive into a tantalizing blend of zesty lemon-lime, sweet cherries, and nutty pistachios that create an extraordinary taste experience unlike any ordinary cheesecake.
  • Master a Showstopping Dessert: Impress guests and family with a professional-looking dessert that seems complicated but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making you look like a culinary genius.
  • Perfect for Special Celebrations: This stunning cheesecake transforms any gathering into a memorable occasion, whether it's a birthday, holiday, or weekend treat that demands something extraordinary.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting fruit or nut quantities, making it versatile for different preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious casserole.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that provides a comforting foundation for the dish.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty and rich topping that adds creamy texture and flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
  • Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the beef mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spices that bring out the best in the beef and noodles.
Creamy Binders:
  • Sour Cream: Introduces a smooth, tangy element that helps bind the casserole together.

Stepwise Guide for Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Give it time to warm up while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Noodle Preparation

Boil the egg noodles until they’re perfectly tender. Drain them completely and set aside.

These noodles will be the delicious foundation of your casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

In a large skillet, transform the ground beef into a rich, savory base:
  • Ground beef
  • Onion (diced)
  • Garlic (minced)

Brown the beef over medium heat.

Eliminate excess fat, then toss in onions and garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Pour in tomato sauce and sprinkle with seasonings. Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors for a few minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

Combine the cooked ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl:
  • Prepared noodles
  • Beef mixture
  • Sour cream

Fold in half of the shredded cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Build the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Spread evenly and crown with the remaining cheese. Make sure every inch is covered in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy the comforting, cheesy marvel you’ve created.

Notes for Great Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for an extra layer of rich, complex taste.
  • Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining protein levels.
  • Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for a more nuanced, creamy melting experience.
  • Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
  • Slightly undercook noodles before baking, as they'll continue to absorb moisture and cook in the casserole, preventing mushiness.

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Styles to Sample

  • Vegetarian Noodle Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Mexican-Style Beef Casserole: Add taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, use pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a spicy southwestern spin on the classic recipe.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the traditional casserole.

What Matches With Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that cuts through the rich, cheesy flavors and complements the beef's robust taste.
  • Refresh with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy, comforting texture and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots to add nutritional depth and a slightly sweet, caramelized element that enhances the casserole's savory profile.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty Italian or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an additional textural dimension to the meal.

How to Keep Casserole Fresh After Baking

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing as much air as possible from the wrapping.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

  • What type of noodles work best for this casserole?

Egg noodles are the perfect choice because they have a soft texture and absorb flavors well, creating a creamy and delicious base for the beef and cheese mixture.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. These will boost the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor profile of the casserole.

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Cheesy Beef And Noodle Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Beef And Noodle Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this cheesy beef and noodle casserole, where hearty ground beef and tender pasta merge into a creamy, satisfying meal. Savory layers of melted cheese and rich seasonings promise a delicious dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the cooking chamber to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole’s transformation.
  2. Submerge egg noodles in boiling water, following package guidance, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
  3. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
  4. Incorporate tomato sauce into the meat mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Allow the concoction to simmer, melding flavors for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Merge cooked noodles with meat mixture and sour cream in a generous mixing vessel. Fold in approximately half the shredded cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
  6. Transition the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 baking vessel, distributing evenly. Crown the surface with remaining cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
  8. Extract from oven and permit 5-7 minutes of resting time to allow flavors to settle and prevent scalding. Serve while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Customize your casserole by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a healthier alternative.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomato sauce and reducing added salt, making the recipe heart-friendly and more health-conscious.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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