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Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: dinner
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles & Creamy Layer
  • 12 oz egg noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream or 6 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
For Topping
  • 1½ –2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot (for boiling noodles)
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Method
 

Cook the Noodles
  1. Boil the egg noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cooking them slightly underdone ensures they don’t get mushy while baking.
Brown the Ground Beef
  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Build the Sauce
  1. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  2. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken slightly.
  3. Expert Tip: A thicker sauce helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery once baked.
Create the Creamy Noodle Layer
  1. In a large bowl, combine:
  2. Cooked egg noodles
  3. Sour cream (or softened cream cheese)
  4. ½ cup shredded cheese
  5. Garlic powder
  6. Onion powder
  7. Mix gently until the noodles are coated in a creamy, savory layer.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer the casserole as follows:
  3. Half of the creamy noodles
  4. Half of the beef mixture
  5. Remaining noodles
  6. Remaining beef mixture
  7. Top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake Until Bubbly
  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling.
  2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.