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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this comforting casserole makes an ideal family dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles

Beef Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheddar blend (or just cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack to the top third to ensure even heating and perfect browning of the cheese topping.
  2. Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles for a minute or two less than the package instructions specify. This ensures they remain firm and don’t become mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and transfer them to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  3. Cook Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and lean ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds to release the flavors without burning the garlic.
  5. Combine Sauce: If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully spoon most of it out. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir. Allow the mixture to warm through, ensuring all flavors meld together.
  6. Mix and Assemble: Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the casserole dish with the noodles. Add half of the grated cheese and gently toss to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
  7. Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Optional Broil: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, optionally broil the casserole for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Cooking noodles slightly under al dente will prevent them from overcooking in the casserole.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and greasiness in the dish.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spiciness level or omit completely.
  • You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for different flavor profiles.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a beautiful browned finish to the cheese topping.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: beef casserole, noodle casserole, baked pasta, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, baked noodles, mozzarella cheddar casserole

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/beef-noodle-casserole-recipe/