Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
Indulge in this heartwarming Creamy Beef Noodle Bake—a comforting casserole that has become a family favorite over the years. This layered dish features a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce base, enveloped in a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, topped with tender egg noodles and a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese. It's the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or extra veggies for a personal touch.
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (browned and drained)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
grated parmesan cheese
2-3 tablespoons (added to meat mixture)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (added to meat mixture)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for seasoning meat mixture)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning meat mixture)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
sour cream
1 (8 ounce) carton (for cream layer)
large green onion
1 (finely chopped)
cooked fine egg noodles
3 cups (cooked per package instructions)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (for topping)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. If using crushed red pepper flakes, add them now for an extra kick. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, making sure to drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for added depth of flavor.
5
Add in the tomato sauce, sugar, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
While the meat mixture is simmering, in a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together on low speed until smooth and creamy. Stir in the finely chopped green onions for freshness.
7
Once the meat mixture is ready, pour it into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
8
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the meat completely.
9
Top the cream cheese layer with the cooked fine egg noodles, spreading them evenly.
10
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the noodles followed by a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
26.25g
Fat
28.75g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Beef Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting layered casserole featuring a savory ground beef and tomato sauce base, a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, tender egg noodles, and melted cheddar cheese.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, egg noodles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, which should be greased to prevent sticking.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
Brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture after it has been browned and drained to add depth of flavor.
How long should the meat sauce simmer?
Once the tomato sauce and seasonings are added, let the mixture simmer covered for about 30 minutes.
What is in the creamy layer of the bake?
The creamy layer is a blend of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and finely chopped green onions.
How do I mix the cream cheese and sour cream?
Beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What type of noodles are recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked fine egg noodles, prepared according to the package instructions.
In what order should I layer the casserole?
Layer the meat mixture on the bottom, followed by the cream cheese mixture, then the cooked egg noodles, and finally the shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The top layer consists of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready to serve?
The casserole is finished when it is hot and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Can I customize the recipe with vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite extra vegetables to the meat mixture.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as being ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this Creamy Beef Noodle Bake contains approximately 437.5 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 26.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of one serving?
One serving provides about 22.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 28.75 grams of carbohydrates.
Why is sugar used in the recipe?
A small amount of sugar is used to season the meat and tomato sauce mixture, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Should the noodles be cooked before assembly?
Yes, the egg noodles should be cooked according to package instructions before being added to the casserole.
What gives the top of the casserole its color?
A sprinkle of paprika over the shredded cheddar cheese provides a nice color and subtle flavor.
How many ingredients are used in this recipe?
This recipe utilizes a total of 14 distinct ingredients.
What kind of tomato sauce is required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is the onion used in the creamy layer or meat layer?
Chopped medium onion is cooked with the beef, while finely chopped green onion is stirred into the cream cheese mixture.
Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?
While the instructions describe a continuous process, the meat mixture simmers for 30 minutes, allowing you to prepare other components in the meantime.
Is this dish considered a family favorite?
Yes, it is noted as a heartwarming casserole that has become a family favorite over many years.
Should the beef be lean?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 pounds of lean ground beef for the best results.