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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole combines lean ground beef, tender egg noodles, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese to create a comforting and delicious main dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces wide egg noodles

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook them for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions to keep them slightly firm. Drain and set aside for later use.
  3. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
  4. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine.
  5. Combine Noodles and Cheese: Add the cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and the cheese begins to melt.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top: Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef noodle casserole!

Notes

  • To save time, you can cook the noodles a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge; reheat covered with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/beef-noodle-casserole-recipe/