Creamy Texan Beef Noodle Bake
Indulge in this creamy Texan Beef Noodle Bake, a cozy casserole that combines savory ground beef, smooth cream cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. This family recipe evokes warm memories of childhood dinners, where every scoop brings comfort and nostalgia. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, it’s an irresistible dish that’s easily customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a satisfying dish for gatherings, this casserole is sure to please!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (none)
green onions
6 (chopped)
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
sour cream
1/2 pint (none)
dry noodles
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
grated mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, adding the chopped garlic and green onions until fragrant.
3
Drain excess fat from the pan, then stir in the sugar and tomato sauce. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sour cream, and cream cheese while the pasta is still warm, stirring until the cream cheese melts and everything is well incorporated.
5
Add the ground beef mixture to the noodle mixture and stir until well combined.
6
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the grated mild cheddar cheese over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until bubbly and golden brown.
9
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Texan Beef Noodle Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Texan Beef Noodle Bake?
It is a cozy, comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef, cream cheese, and noodles in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which is browned before being mixed into the casserole.
What kind of noodles should I use?
You will need 8 ounces of dry noodles, which should be cooked and drained before assembly.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 1 hour, or until it is bubbly and golden brown.
What size baking dish is required?
The mixture should be transferred into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Why is sugar included in the sauce?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to the tomato sauce to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated mild cheddar cheese sprinkled over the top.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 6 green onions, which are chopped and sautéed with the beef.
What provides the creaminess in the noodle mixture?
A combination of 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 pint of sour cream creates the creamy base.
Do I need to drain the beef fat?
Yes, after browning the beef with garlic and onions, you should drain the excess fat before adding the sauce.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe specifies beef, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Should I mix the noodles and beef together?
Yes, you first mix the noodles with the cream cheese and sour cream, then add the beef mixture and stir until well combined.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of tomato sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you are ready.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Creamy Texan Beef Noodle Bake?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of mild cheddar?
You can use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 finely chopped garlic clove.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, its mild, creamy, and cheesy flavor profile makes it a favorite for children and families.
What should I serve with this bake?
It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables, a garden salad, or garlic bread.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
Certainly! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas can be added to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
Why must the noodles be warm when adding cream cheese?
Mixing them while warm helps the cream cheese melt and incorporate evenly with the sour cream.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It is ready when the cheese is melted and golden, and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, though egg noodles are traditional, penne, rotini, or macaroni will also work well.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple browning and mixing steps.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a slightly tangier taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: beef, garlic, sugar, tomato sauce, green onions, cream cheese, sour cream, noodles, and cheddar.
Does the recipe require a specific type of tomato sauce?
Plain canned tomato sauce works best, but you can use a herb-seasoned sauce if you prefer more flavor.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving allows the creamy sauce to set slightly.