When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If you said cheesy beef noodle casserole, you are absolutely right! Picture this: a bubbling dish laden with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese melding into a heartwarming symphony of flavor. The aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone in your household abandoning their screens and flocking to the kitchen like moths to a flame. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes.
This cheesy beef noodle casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience, a memory maker. Whether you’re hosting family game night or trying to impress your in-laws (no pressure), this dish shines as the star of any gathering. The anticipation builds as it bakes, and once it emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling, you know it’s going to be a hit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cheesy beef noodle casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free on busy weeknights
- The rich flavors blend perfectly for a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table
- With its cheesy layers and hearty ingredients, this dish is visually appealing and comforting
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings; it’s versatile enough to enjoy any day of the week
I remember the first time I made this casserole. My kids walked in after school, and their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. They devoured every bite while I basked in my culinary glory.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Egg Noodles: Use wide egg noodles for the perfect texture that holds all that cheesy goodness.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides flavor without excess grease; consider 80/20 for balance.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor; don’t skimp—more is definitely better here!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings a bold taste; use freshly shredded for optimal meltiness.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and ties all ingredients together; opt for low-sodium if preferred.
- Beef Broth: Enhances flavor without overpowering; use low-sodium version for more control over saltiness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning add depth; feel free to adjust based on your palate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the onions and mince the garlic so they are ready when you need them.
Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, boil water and cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Creamy Goodness: Stir in cream of mushroom soup and beef broth into the meat mixture until combined well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes as flavors meld beautifully.
Combine Everything!: Gently fold cooked noodles into the beef mixture along with half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well coated.
Bake to Perfection!: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top.
And there you have it! A mouthwatering cheesy beef noodle casserole that turns every meal into an occasion worth celebrating. The savory aroma will have everyone drooling before they even take their first bite! Enjoy this delightful comfort food straight from your kitchen—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish
- The cheesy goodness and hearty beef create aromatic bliss, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights
- This recipe is great for leftovers, too—if there are any!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
Start by browning the beef first, then boil the noodles while preparing the cheese sauce to save time and enhance flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to keep it deliciously cheesy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use lean ground beef for less grease
- Adding a bit of garlic powder boosts flavor tremendously
- Don’t rush the cheese melting; patience creates gooey perfection
Sharing this recipe has brought back memories of my family gathering around the table, laughter echoing as we devoured every cheesy bite together.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great and keeps it light yet flavorful.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese into a delightful dish your family will love. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this casserole fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that draws everyone in. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this hearty meal is sure to create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil water in a large pot; cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and beef broth; let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine cooked noodles with beef mixture and half of cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider swapping ground beef for ground turkey or adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
