Classic Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Comfort in a Dish

Ever crave that home cooked meal feeling? Honestly, sometimes all you need is a warm, hearty dish. So, let's dive into the magic of ground beef noodle casserole the ultimate comfort food recipe !

Why This Ground Beef Casserole Rocks

This recipe isn't some fancy schmancy thing. It's classic American comfort food. Think grandma's casserole recipe , but even easier! It's a beef noodle bake that's perfect for busy weeknight dinner ideas or a relaxed potluck casserole .

A Taste of Tradition

The noodle casserole recipe has its roots deep in American culinary history. It's simple, satisfying, and budget friendly. This easy casserole recipes is a real hug in a dish.

It's all about ground beef recipes and yummy noodles. Plus, it serves 6-8 people. It takes only 50 minutes to whip up, 20 for prep and 30 to cook, meaning less time in the kitchen.

More Than Just Delicious

It’s a well rounded meal! And hey, that cheese on top? Golden, bubbly perfection. This particular casserole also has a lot of protein per serving; around 25 grams! It's great for a family gathering or simply as a ground beef casserole for when you're feeling down.

Now that we've whet your appetite, let's get to the good stuff: the ingredients!

Alright, let's get down to business! This ground beef noodle casserole is pure comfort. It's like a warm hug from your grandma.

Honestly, it's one of those easy casserole recipes that everyone loves.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Ground Beef Casserole

Let's break down what you need. Don’t worry, most of it is probably already in your pantry!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this classic American casserole .

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Ground beef : 1 pound (450g) . Aim for 80/20. This means more flavor!
• Yellow onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup , 150g ), chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Tomato sauce: 1 (24 ounce/680g) jar . Marinara works great too!
• Cream of mushroom soup: 1 (10.75 ounce/305g) can .
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Egg noodles: 1 pound (450g) , wide.
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Pre-shredded is fine!
• Optional: Parsley, 1/4 cup , chopped.

The ground beef should look bright red and fresh. Avoid anything gray or slimy.

Seasoning Notes for Your Noodle Casserole Recipe

Italian seasoning is key here. It brings that comfort food recipes vibe.

• Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Garlic powder and onion powder can boost the flavor.
• Don't have Italian seasoning? Use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here. We are making this beef noodle bake easy.

• Large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Large pot for the noodles.
• Colander to drain the noodles.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Mixing bowls.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large skillet will work just fine. A pot can also be used to cook the beef and sauce.

Now, let's get cooking on this weeknight dinner ideas meal. This casserole is perfect for a potluck casserole , too.

Cooking Method: Nailing That Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

Oh my gosh, are we talking about ground beef noodle casserole today? You know, that dish that just screams "comfort food"? Honestly, this classic American casserole is like a warm hug on a plate.

My grandma used to make a beef noodle bake that could cure anything, from a bad day to the common cold.

Let's get this show on the road!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place . This means getting all your ingredients prepped before you even think about turning on the stove.

Chop your onion. Mince that garlic. Shred your cheese. We're talking about easy casserole recipes here, so let's keep it that way.

Pro tip: I like to measure out all my spices ahead of time. It saves a ton of faffing about later on!

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

Alright, buckle up! Here's how we transform simple ingredients into a glorious ground beef casserole .

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat. Drain off the fat. No one wants a greasy casserole.
3. Sauté 1 chopped onion until softened. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves . Cook until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Stir in 1 (24 ounce/680g) jar of tomato sauce , 1 (10.75 ounce/305g) can of cream of mushroom soup , and 1/2 cup (120ml) of sour cream . Simmer for a bit.
5. Cook 1 pound (450g) of wide egg noodles until al dente. Don't overcook them . Soggy noodles are the devil. Drain them well.
6. Combine the noodles and the sauce. Pour it into your baking dish.
7. Top with 2 cups (225g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Don't be shy, now.
8. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to take your noodle casserole recipe to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years.

One common mistake is overcooking the noodles. Aim for al dente. Also, don’t be afraid to use different cheeses. And, for my final suggestion, you can prep all components ahead! Just assemble and bake when you're ready to eat.

Boom! If you're looking for weeknight dinner ideas , you just found one. This potluck casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Seriously, it's like grandma's casserole recipe , but with a modern twist. I think this is one of the most enjoyable ground beef recipes .

Enjoy this comfort food recipes that will save your night!

Alright, let's knock this ground beef noodle casserole out of the park! Think comfort food , Sunday roasts, and your nan's best cooking all rolled into one.

This recipe is going to be a winner.

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this classic American casserole is practically foolproof. But, like, let's chat about a few things, yeah? These easy casserole recipes are the bomb.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate!

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous ground beef casserole fresh from the oven. How do we make it look extra tasty? First, a little bit of fresh parsley on top goes a long way.

Makes it look all fancy and stuff.

For sides, you can't go wrong with a simple green salad. You know, something light and zesty to cut through the richness of the casserole.

Or, steamed green beans. For drinks? Milk, soda, or even a simple white wine would go great.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Fresh

Got leftovers of this beef noodle bake (unlikely, but you never know)? Once cooled, put it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing this noodle casserole recipe is also an option! Make sure to freeze it within 2 hours. Wrap it well and it'll last for up to 2-3 months .

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Important : Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations: Make it Your Own, Boo!

Fancy switching things up? Course you do.

• Dietary: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or even plant based mince . Loads of peeps are going veggie these days.
• Seasonal: In the autumn, throw in some roasted butternut squash. It will bring warm, earthy flavours.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Up, Dude!

Each serving is approx. 450 calories. You also get 25g protein, 25g fat, and 35g carbs. This ground beef noodle casserole is a pretty balanced meal.

It gives you everything you need, you know? Protein, carbs, and some fats.

It's especially awesome because it uses real ingredients. It's not super processed, so you know what you're putting in your body.

Win-win! This is one of the comfort food recipes that nourishes both body and soul! And, it's a perfect potluck casserole to share.

So there you have it! Get in the kitchen and give this grandma's casserole recipe a whirl. You might even find a new weeknight dinner ideas favourite! Honestly, it's a total joy to cook and even better to eat.

Go on, you deserve it! Enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ground beef noodle casserole ahead of time? You know, like Mary Berry would on Bake Off?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent the dish from cracking in the oven.

Help! My ground beef noodle casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery casserole is often due to excess moisture in the beef or the noodles. Make sure you drain the ground beef really well after browning. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles; aim for al dente as they'll continue to cook in the sauce.

If you're still concerned, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce while it simmers to help thicken it up. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!

What are some good variations I can try for this ground beef noodle casserole recipe? Feeling adventurous!

Feeling like a culinary daredevil? I love it! You could try adding some veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the ground beef mixture. For a flavor boost, swap out the cheddar cheese for a smoked Gouda or pepper jack. Or, for a bit of a kick, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Get creative, mate!

How should I store leftover ground beef noodle casserole? And how long will it last?

Storing leftovers is a doddle! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.

Is ground beef noodle casserole actually healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more mindful of what I eat.

While this casserole is definitely comfort food, you can certainly make it a bit healthier! Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce the fat content. You can also swap the regular sour cream for a low-fat version and use whole wheat noodles for added fiber.

Load it up with extra veggies to boost the nutritional value every little helps!