Description
This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole blends tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and rich cheeses with egg noodles, all baked to golden perfection. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners, combining creamy and savory flavors with a cheesy, bubbly topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 10 ounces egg noodles (or your choice of noodles)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook the mixture until the vegetables become tender. Stir in the dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles directly into the simmering skillet. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, absorbing some of the flavorful sauce.
- Add Dairy: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Bake: Transfer the entire skillet mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Drain excess grease well after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta such as penne or rotini if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and improves slicing and serving.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
