Beef, Cheese, and Noodle Bake is a classic casserole dish that brings together the comforting flavors of ground beef, cheese, and egg noodles in one satisfying meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty potluck dish for family gatherings.
How To Make:
The dish begins with tender egg noodles that are cooked until al dente. Meanwhile, ground beef is browned in a skillet along with onions until the meat is cooked through. Diced tomatoes, tomato soup, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper are added to the skillet to create a rich tomato sauce that is infused with delicious flavors.
Once the sauce is simmering, the cooked egg noodles are added to the skillet and tossed with the sauce until they are coated. The mixture is then transferred to a baking dish, where it is topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The casserole is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a golden-brown crust.
The finished dish is a satisfying blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. The soft egg noodles and juicy ground beef are perfectly balanced by the sharpness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. The casserole can be served on its own or accompanied by a side salad or bread.
Additionally, this recipe is very adaptable and simple to personalize. For example, you can add vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet to make the dish more nutritious. You can also use a different type of cheese or add extra spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Be sure to cook the egg noodles until they are al dente, as overcooked noodles can become mushy in the casserole.
Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
If you want a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce.
Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months or kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations:
For a lighter version of this recipe, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and low-fat cheese.
Add some vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work well in this dish.
Change up the cheese to suit your preferences. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda can be used instead of cheddar.
Make this dish even more indulgent by adding some crumbled bacon to the top of the casserole before baking.
Experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, instead of egg noodles.
No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, Beef, Cheese, and Noodle Bake is sure to be a satisfying and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Following the instructions on the package, prepare the egg noodles. Drain and set aside.
The ground beef and onion should be cooked in a big skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, water, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
The mixture should simmer for five minutes.
Stir the cooked egg noodles into the skillet's contents.
In the baking dish that has been prepared, pour the noodle mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbling and melted cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy!