Description
This Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with Italian seasonings, combined with creamy egg noodles and a trio of melted cheeses, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures. It's easy to prepare, bake, and can be made ahead and frozen, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground round
- 1 (14 1/2-oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
- 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Noodles and Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
- 5 green onions, chopped
- 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
- 4 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
- 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Cook beef mixture: Brown the ground round in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 to 8 minutes until the meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in both cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, salt, dried Italian seasoning, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook egg noodles: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and return the hot noodles to the pot. Stir in chopped green onions, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add casserole ingredients to pan: Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Spoon the egg noodle mixture evenly into the dish. Carefully spread the beef and tomato mixture over the noodles. Then, sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top in that order.
- Bake casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared in advance: assemble it but do not bake, then cover and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- If you prefer, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese types or quantities according to your taste preferences.
- Make sure to drain the cooked noodles well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape and improves serving consistency.