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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 31 reviews

This comforting Beef Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, enriched with creamy cheese and baked to bubbling perfection. A hearty, all-in-one dish perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounce bag egg noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Tomato Base

  • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Dairy and Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter (can use salted or unsalted)
  • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Set the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
  2. Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the 12-ounce bag of egg noodles until just tender, following package directions. Avoid overcooking as noodles will further cook in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
  5. Add Tomato Sauce Mix: Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Create Creamy Sauce: Lower heat and add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Bake uncovered on the middle oven rack for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, cheesy beef noodle casserole.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the noodles before baking as they will continue cooking in the oven.
  • You can omit smoked paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice fresh aroma but can be skipped if unavailable.
  • The casserole tastes great the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef noodle casserole, baked beef pasta, cheesy beef casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food casserole

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