Description

This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs, combined with tender egg noodles in a rich tomato sauce. The casserole is topped with a creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of sour cream, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors in a satisfying baked pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dry Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Canned & Liquids

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

Dairy

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
Make the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend and sauce to thicken slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream if using, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the drained noodles, beef tomato sauce, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the noodles.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting casserole!

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato mixture.