Cheesy Ramen Beef Bake
This Cheesy Ramen Beef Bake is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that combines the creamy goodness of traditional casserole with the beloved flavors of ramen noodles. Ideal for college students or anyone looking to whip up a hearty meal on a budget, this recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings. Packed with flavor and simplicity, this dish not only helps you stretch your groceries but also guarantees your cravings will be met with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
2 packages (3 ounces each) (any flavor)
Sour Cream
2 tablespoons
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) (undiluted)
Water
1/2 cup
Milk
1/2 cup
Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
French's French Fried Onions
1/4 cup
Ground Beef
1/2 pound (browned and drained)
Cheese
1 cup (shredded (optional but recommended))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed ramen noodles (discard one seasoning packet), sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, water, milk, and chopped onion. Mix until well combined.
3
Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9x9-inch oven-safe casserole dish.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and add the beef to the noodle mixture. Stir to combine.
5
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
6
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and stir the mixture. Then, sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.
7
Return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
8
Remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return to the oven just until the cheese melts (about 2-3 minutes). Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ramen Beef Bake?
It is a comforting, one-dish casserole that combines ramen noodles with ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and melted cheese for a budget-friendly meal.
What flavor of ramen noodles should I use?
You can use any flavor of ramen noodles since the recipe only uses one seasoning packet and relies on other ingredients for the main flavor profile.
Do I need to cook the ramen noodles before adding them to the dish?
No, you should crush the dry ramen noodles and mix them with the liquid ingredients; they will cook while baking in the oven.
Should I use both seasoning packets from the ramen packages?
No, the recipe specifies using only one seasoning packet and discarding the other to balance the salt and flavor.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before being added to the casserole.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A greased 9x9-inch oven-safe casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How long does the Cheesy Ramen Beef Bake take to cook?
The dish takes a total of approximately 30 to 33 minutes in the oven: 20 minutes covered, 10 minutes uncovered with onions, and 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Is this recipe good for college students on a budget?
Absolutely! It is specifically designed to be budget-friendly, using inexpensive ingredients like ramen and canned soup to create a hearty meal.
Can I add vegetables to this ramen bake?
Yes, this dish is highly adaptable. You can stir in frozen peas, corn, carrots, or even bell peppers before baking.
What can I use if I don't have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or add a bit more milk or cream if you want a similar creamy consistency.
Do I need to dilute the cream of mushroom soup?
No, use the soup undiluted from the can, as the recipe already includes 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of milk.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes?
Covering the dish traps steam, which is necessary to properly soften and cook the dry, crushed ramen noodles.
What is the purpose of the French fried onions?
The French fried onions provide a savory crunch and extra flavor to the top of the casserole.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend all work great, depending on your personal preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the beef or replace it with a vegetarian protein and ensure you use a vegetable-based ramen flavor and cream of mushroom soup.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the texture of the ramen noodles may become slightly softer upon reheating.
How many ramen packages are needed?
You will need two 3-ounce packages of ramen noodles.
What if I don't have French's French Fried Onions?
You can substitute them with crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a similar crunch.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of mushroom.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the bowl?
No, the chopped onion can be mixed in raw; it will soften as the casserole bakes in the oven.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the excess grease from the ground beef after browning it in the skillet.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking dish, though you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
Is the cheese topping mandatory?
The cheese is optional, but it is highly recommended for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Can I use dairy-free milk and sour cream?
Yes, unsweetened almond or soy milk and dairy-free sour cream substitutes can be used for a dairy-free version.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I add extra spices?
Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to the mixture for more kick.
What makes this dish a 'one-dish' meal?
Since it contains protein, starch, and a creamy sauce all in one pan, it serves as a complete and satisfying meal on its own.