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
- Warm the cooking chamber to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole’s transformation.
- Submerge egg noodles in boiling water, following package guidance, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transition the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 baking vessel, distributing evenly. Crown the surface with remaining cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- 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