Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Creamy Ground Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 12 reviews

This comforting Poor Man’s Casserole combines creamy egg noodles with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with cheeses and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces uncooked extra-wide egg noodles

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or shredded cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Beef Sauce

  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, then drain and return noodles to the pot.
  2. Make the noodles creamy: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the hot noodles until they’re evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking for 9 to 10 minutes until beef is browned and onions are softened. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  4. Add the sauce ingredients: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir, and let simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the creamy noodles over the sauce, spreading evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and another third of the meat sauce, followed by another 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.
  6. Top and bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top layer, then sprinkle with the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack or trivet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Poor Man’s Casserole.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overcook the noodles; they should be firm to the bite (al dente) as they will continue to bake in the oven.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to lighten the dish.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if starting cold.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/creamy-ground-beef-and-noodle-casserole-recipe/