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Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Noodle Casserole

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender ground beef, hearty egg noodles, and a rich savory sauce topped with melted cheese, it offers a satisfying meal that’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Noodles

  • 8 oz egg noodles

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) canned tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the beef mixture.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Make the sauce: Add canned tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
  4. Combine noodles and sauce: Gently fold the cooked noodles (and optional frozen mixed vegetables, if using) into the beef sauce mixture, ensuring each noodle is coated with rich flavor.
  5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Drain excess grease: Prevent a watery casserole by thoroughly draining the cooked beef.
  • Al dente noodles: Cook noodles slightly firm to avoid mushy texture after baking.
  • Cover while baking: Use foil for the first 15 minutes if you want a super-moist casserole before browning the cheese.
  • Rest before serving: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes to help the casserole set and flavors meld.
  • Use fresh herbs: If possible, fresh oregano or basil elevate the taste wonderfully.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, noodle casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked pasta, ground beef recipe