Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the cooked noodles and stir to coat evenly.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
