Cheesy Beef And Noodle Casserole (Print version)
Hearty pasta bake with seasoned beef, tender noodles, and golden melted cheese topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
05 - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
→ Pasta
06 - 12 oz egg noodles
→ Dairy
07 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
08 - 1 cup sour cream
→ Sauces & Canned Goods
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
10 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
13 - 1/2 tsp paprika
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Other
15 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 6-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper (if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
05 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, frozen peas (if using), Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Mix in sour cream and cream of mushroom soup until fully incorporated and smooth.
07 - Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked egg noodles to the meat mixture. Fold together gently until evenly combined.
08 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese in a uniform layer.
09 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the cheese creates this incredible golden crust that makes everyone rush to the table
- How it transforms basic pantry ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug
- Leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day for lunch
02 -
- Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly or you will end up with a soupy casserole
- Letting it rest for 5 minutes seems impossible when everyone is hungry but it makes serving so much easier
03 -
- Mix sharp cheddar with a little mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting