Welcome to a culinary journey where comfort meets flavor in the form of a classic creamy beef noodle casserole. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish combines tender beef, velvety noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Join me as we dive into the world of hearty casseroles that not only feed the body but also soothe the soul.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful creamy beef noodle casserole that is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Equipments
Make sure you have the following equipment at hand to whip up your creamy beef noodle casserole:
- Saucepan
- Large frying pan
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole – Step By Step
Step 1 – Cook the Noodles
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to reserve a little of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef
In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then, add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing them until fragrant and translucent. Next, incorporate the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and not overly greasy.
Step 3 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the beef is cooking, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sour cream and the cream of mushroom soup. Stir well until it becomes a smooth, homogeneous mixture. This will serve as the base for our luxurious creamy sauce, which ties everything together beautifully.
Step 4 – Combine Components
Return the cooked noodles to the pan with the beef. Pour the creamy sauce over the noodle and beef mixture, gently stirring to combine everything thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly.
Step 5 – Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish then spoon the combined mixture into it. Spread it out evenly with a wooden spoon to ensure every bite has the right amount of sauce, beef, and noodles.
Step 6 – Add The Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the casserole for added flavor and a melted gooey finish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter, mixing until you achieve a crumbly consistency. Scatter this buttery breadcrumb topping over the cheese for that necessary crunch factor.
Step 7 – Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crisp. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving, letting everything come together perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole
This hearty casserole can be served as the centerpiece of your dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To elevate this dish, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a small kick. Make sure to set your oven to the right temperature to avoid uneven cooking and check-in periodically to prevent overbaking. For a fresher flavor profile, swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt!
Revamp Your Dinner with a High Protein Twist
Looking to boost the protein content without compromising on taste? Substitute the ground beef with leaner ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, select a cheese variety that is higher in protein or simply add an extra layer of cheese to increase the protein content naturally. A handful of chopped nuts or seeds can also be added for an extra protein crunch.
Low Carb Variation: A Delicious Twist
If you’re on a low-carb diet or simply aiming to cut back on carbs, consider swapping the noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. These alternatives offer a similar texture with significantly fewer carbs. Additionally, opting for keto-friendly breadcrumbs will keep your casserole within the low-carb range without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Storage Instructions
Creamy beef noodle casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. For longer storage, portion the casserole into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months.
FAQs
- Can I freeze creamy beef noodle casserole?
Yes, you can! Freeze in airtight containers, and it can last up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella or gouda for variations in flavor. - How do I make the casserole gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs to enjoy this dish worry-free. - What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can easily make a homemade version using mushrooms, broth, and some cornstarch for thickening. - Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
By using plant-based protein and vegan cheese alternatives, you can enjoy a vegetarian-friendly version.
Bringing it All Together: Share Your Casserole Experience!
The creamy beef noodle casserole not only delights the taste buds but also brings warmth to every meal it graces. It’s a dish that’s perfect for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and savoring each bite together. Try it out for yourself and don’t forget to share your creations with us! We’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media!
Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- egg noodles
- sour cream
- cream of mushroom soup
- shredded cheddar cheese
- small onion
- garlic
- Salt and pepper
- olive oil
- breadcrumbs
- butter
Instructions
Steps
- Cook the egg noodles in salted water, following package directions, to al dente. Drain and reserve.
- In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add the ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth.
- Combine drained noodles, beef mixture, and sauce. Stir until evenly mixed. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread casserole mix into the dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter for crunch.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Rest before serving.