Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Noodle Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Family Favorite

When you’re in need of a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make dinner, this Beef Noodle Casserole is the perfect choice. With tender egg noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, offering a delightful combination of savory flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Beef Noodle Casserole:

• 12 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained (petite cut preferred)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 12 ounces of egg noodles and cook according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Beef:
   While the noodles are cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 1/4 lbs of lean ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it’s browned and crumbly.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic:
   Add the finely chopped onion and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the beef is fully cooked. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
   Stir in the 16 ounces of tomato sauce, 15 ounces of drained diced tomatoes, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Noodles and Beef:
   Add the cooked egg noodles to the pan with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Spray a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

4. Bake and Serve

1. Bake the Casserole:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. With its savory ground beef, tender noodles, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a meal that everyone will want seconds of. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy evenings. Serve it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

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