Savory Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
Indulge in the deliciousness of our Savory Creamy Beef Noodle Bake — a lighter, health-conscious version of the classic casserole. This layered dish features lean ground beef seasoned with aromatic Italian herbs paired with a blend of creamy cheeses and cholesterol-free egg noodles, all baked to perfection. It's a comforting and nutritious meal that's family-friendly and designed to support your weight loss journey without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, enjoy a serving of nostalgia with a modern twist!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (for seasoning beef)
chopped tomatoes
16 ounces (drained)
cholesterol-free egg noodles
12 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
fat-free butter substitute
2 tablespoons (melted)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
low-fat cream cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
fat-free cottage cheese
4 ounces (for creamy texture)
low-fat sour cream
8 ounces (for creaminess)
reduced-fat cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, sauté the lean ground beef with Italian seasoning over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the drained chopped tomatoes and set mixture aside.
3
Prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain noodles in a colander and shake off excess water.
4
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the melted fat-free butter substitute, kosher salt, black pepper, cubed low-fat cream cheese, fat-free cottage cheese, and low-fat sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5
Add the drained egg noodles to the cream cheese mixture while it's still warm. Stir gently to ensure noodles are well-coated and the cheese begins to melt.
6
Grease a 9x13x2 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Layer half of the creamy noodle mixture into the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on top, and sprinkle half of the reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodle mixture, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
8
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Creamy Beef Noodle Bake?
It is a lighter, health-conscious version of a classic beef and noodle casserole, featuring lean beef, aromatic herbs, and a blend of creamy low-fat cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the assembly process.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef to keep the dish heart-healthy and support weight loss goals.
What kind of noodles are used in this bake?
The dish uses 12 ounces of cholesterol-free egg noodles, which are cooked until al dente.
How do I season the ground beef?
The beef is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning while it is being browned in the skillet.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, you should use 16 ounces of chopped tomatoes that have been thoroughly drained before adding them to the beef.
What ingredients make up the creamy cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of melted fat-free butter substitute, kosher salt, black pepper, low-fat cream cheese, fat-free cottage cheese, and low-fat sour cream.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for mixing?
The 8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese should be cubed to help it blend smoothly with the other dairy ingredients.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x13x2 inch casserole dish is the standard size recommended for this recipe.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer half of the creamy noodles, then half of the beef, then half of the cheddar; repeat the layers once more.
What type of cheddar cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 8 ounces of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese for the topping and layers.
How long should the casserole bake in the oven?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.
Why is the casserole covered with foil during the first part of baking?
Covering with foil helps retain moisture and ensures the internal ingredients heat through without the cheese burning.
Is this recipe suitable for weight loss?
Yes, it is designed as a lighter version of comfort food using lean proteins and reduced-fat dairy to support weight loss.
Can I substitute the fat-free butter?
While the recipe specifies fat-free butter substitute to keep calories low, you can use regular butter if dietary restrictions are not a concern.
What is the purpose of the Italian seasoning?
It provides an aromatic flavor profile that complements the beef and tomatoes.
How do I ensure the noodles are well-coated?
Add the cooked noodles to the cream cheese mixture while they are still warm and stir gently.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer it over ground beef.
What should I do after the casserole finishes baking?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a golden color.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While not explicitly mentioned, most noodle bakes freeze well if stored in an airtight container.
What is the preparation for the egg noodles?
Cook them according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and shake off excess water.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The ingredients like tomatoes provide some fiber, though the specific nutritional count is not listed.
Can I add extra vegetables to the beef mixture?
Yes, adding onions or bell peppers while sautéing the beef would add more nutrients and flavor.
What are the tags for this recipe?
The tags include casserole, beef, egg noodles, light, healthy, one dish meal, comfort food, and lite-bleu.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to season the creamy mixture.
What kind of sour cream is used?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of low-fat sour cream for added creaminess.
Can I make this for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed to be an ideal and simple weeknight meal.
What makes the texture of this dish unique?
The combination of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a uniquely rich and velvety texture.