Beef And Noodle Casserole(Microwave)
A hearty microwave beef and noodle casserole with savory Parmesan and basil flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 can condensed tomato soup
- 8 oz. cooked noodles ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. fryer chicken, cut up and skinned ⓘ
Instructions
- Place butter in a shallow dish and microwave at high for 4 to 5 seconds until melted.
- In another shallow dish, mix cornflake crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and dried parsley flakes.
- Dip chicken pieces in melted butter, then coat with the crumb mixture.
- Arrange chicken pieces, bone side down, in a shallow microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Turn chicken over and microwave for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until juices run clear.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute zucchini noodles for traditional noodles to reduce carbs. If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after microwaving. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding crushed red pepper can give a nice kick. Additionally, this dish goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef and Noodle Casserole warm, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Rice Salad for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Noodle Casserole(Microwave) contains roughly 331 calories, with 21g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (388% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1910mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste. Just be sure to adjust the quantities based on the cheese's melting properties and saltiness.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, simply microwave it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold temperature.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Enhancing the flavor can be achieved by adding more herbs and spices to the meat mixture, such as oregano or thyme. You could also sauté the ground beef with onions and garlic before mixing it with the other ingredients for a deeper flavor profile. Consider serving it with Easy Gravy for added richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).