Description

This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles with a rich, creamy tomato and ground beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole blends classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

12 ounce bag egg noodles
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)

Dairy and Meat

2 Tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
1 pound ground beef
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare baking dish and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside so it’s ready when needed.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12-ounce bag of egg noodles and cook them until just tender according to package instructions. Avoid overcooking as noodles will continue to soften in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the ground beef: Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Incorporate creamy elements: Lower the heat and mix in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Combine noodles and sauce: Toss the tender cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Add cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake the casserole uncovered on the middle rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the noodles initially; they should be slightly underdone as they cook further in the oven.
For a milder flavor, omit or reduce the smoked paprika.
Using salted butter will add additional saltiness; adjust added salt accordingly.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness but are optional.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: beef noodle casserole, creamy beef casserole, cheesy beef pasta bake, easy casserole recipes, family dinner casserole