Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

This Ground Beef Noodle Casserole is one of those dishes that just feels like home. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or even just a cozy weekend dinner.

I love how the simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and delicious. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and I bet it will become a regular in your meal plan.

Ground Beef Noodle Casserole Overview

This casserole is all about comfort. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish that’s incredibly satisfying.

Imagine tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown.

It’s kind of like a grown-up version of hamburger helper, but way better.

This is a great meal to serve a family. It is also easy to transport, so it makes a nice option for potlucks or to take to a friend in need.

You can serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Detailed Ingredients for Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound. I usually use lean ground beef (like 80/20 or 90/10), but you can use whatever you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Egg Noodles: 1 (12-ounce) package. These are the classic choice for this casserole, but you could also use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can. This is the base of our creamy sauce. You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup. This adds tanginess and extra creaminess. Full-fat sour cream gives the best results.
• Milk: 1/2 cup. Any kind of milk will work.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups. I like to use sharp cheddar for its flavor, but you can use mild or a blend of cheeses.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. These add depth and flavor to the beef. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, get a 9×13 inch baking dish ready. You don’t need to grease it, but you can if you want.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Make sure to cook them until they’re al dente, which means they should still have a little bit of a bite to them. You don’t want them to be mushy. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside.
3. Brown the Beef: While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Drain and Season: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Then, stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything well so the beef is nicely seasoned.
6. Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked noodles and the seasoned ground beef to the bowl with the sauce. Stir everything together until the noodles and beef are evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.

Variations & Tips for the Best Casserole

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add some cooked vegetables to the casserole. Peas, carrots, corn, or green beans would all be great additions.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this noodle casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or some steamed vegetables.

Key Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Equipment you’ll need: 9×13 inch baking dish, large skillet, large bowl.

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