Description
A hearty and comforting Beef Noodle Casserole perfect for an easy and budget-friendly dinner. This dish combines savory seasoned ground beef with creamy sauces, wide egg noodles, and melted cheese, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Tony's seasoning
- 1 tsp minced onion
- 1 small onion, diced
Sauce and Dairy
- 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz sour cream
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Pasta
- 16 oz wide egg noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare onion: Dice the small onion into small pieces for sautéing with the beef.
- Cook noodles: Boil the wide egg noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Tony’s seasoning, minced onion, and diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks until it is no longer pink.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, water, and sugar into the skillet with the beef. Stir and let simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Mix creamy base: In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Toss the cooked noodles into this mixture to coat evenly.
- Assemble casserole layer 1: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread one third of the meaty tomato sauce on the bottom, then layer half of the noodles mixed with cream cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over this.
- Assemble casserole layer 2: Add another third of the meat sauce on top, followed by the remaining noodles. Spread the last of the meat sauce over noodles and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture and sauce absorption.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy blending with the sour cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices.
- Allow the casserole to rest to make serving easier and preserve layers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
