Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole
This Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole is the quintessential comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for the crisp fall and chilly winter days, this dish combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles for a satisfyingly delicious meal. Simple yet flavorful, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Enjoy this versatile casserole with a fresh tossed salad or steamed vegetables. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that you can freeze for quick dinners later, making it a staple in any busy household!
4
Servings
450
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Tomato sauce with basil and garlic
8 ounces (canned)
Egg noodles
4-6 ounces (cooked)
Cottage cheese
1 cup (as is)
Sour cream
1 cup (as is)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese or colby-monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups (divided)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
4
Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Stir in the seasoning salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese with the cooked egg noodles. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
7
Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the noodle mixture on the bottom of the dish.
8
Spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the noodle layer.
9
Top with the remaining noodle mixture for the final layer.
10
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
12
After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
35g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole?
It is a comforting meal that combines ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender egg noodles, perfect for cold weather.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What are the primary ingredients for the meat mixture?
The mixture consists of ground beef, chopped onion, green pepper, and tomato sauce with basil and garlic.
What type of noodles should be used?
The recipe calls for 4-6 ounces of cooked egg noodles.
What kind of cheese is included in the noodle mixture?
The noodles are mixed with cottage cheese, sour cream, and half a cup of shredded cheese.
What types of shredded cheese are recommended?
You can use shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a colby-monterey jack blend.
Are the onions and green peppers required?
No, the onion and green pepper are listed as optional ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 24g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch greased casserole dish is recommended.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is a fantastic make-ahead dish that can even be frozen for later use.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 30 minutes (20 minutes initially, plus 10 minutes after adding Parmesan).
When should the Parmesan cheese be added?
Add the grated Parmesan cheese after the first 20 minutes of baking.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be browned in a skillet and then drained of excess fat.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh tossed salad or steamed vegetables.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer half the noodle mixture on the bottom, followed by the beef sauce, and then the remaining noodle mixture.
What seasonings are used in the beef mixture?
Seasoning salt and pepper are used to taste.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a quintessential comfort food.
Should the noodles be fully cooked before baking?
The noodles should be cooked until al dente before being mixed with the dairy ingredients.
Can I use plain tomato sauce instead?
While the recipe suggests tomato sauce with basil and garlic, you can use plain sauce and add your own herbs.
How long should the beef and sauce simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed to be simple and flavorful for busy households.
What is the final texture of the cheese on top?
The cheese should be bubbly and golden after the final 10 minutes of baking.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?
While the recipe specifies cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a common substitute in similar casseroles.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sour cream.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, comfort food, beef, noodles, cheese, easy recipe, make ahead, and freezer meal.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.