Description
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main course featuring tender egg noodles combined with a savory ground beef mixture, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with golden cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners and is customizable with added veggies or lean protein substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the drained diced tomatoes and condensed tomato soup, then bring the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined and creamy.
- Combine with Noodles: Mix the cooked noodles into the beef mixture thoroughly, ensuring even coating.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner protein option, substitute ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Add frozen peas or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for an easy meal the next day.
