Beef Noodle Marzetti
Hearty beef noodle casserole combines tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) package medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare noodles according to package directions.
- Drain noodles and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped green peppers, onions, and finely chopped garlic to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, mushroom pieces, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using).
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked noodles.
- Turn mixture into a greased 3-quart (13 x 9-inch) shallow baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil or a lid.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option. For added texture, throw in some chopped spinach or kale. Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef Noodle Marzetti alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A slice of garlic bread can complement the dish beautifully. For a hearty option, pair it with a side of Flavorful Rice to soak up the rich sauce. This dish also makes for great leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered to retain moisture. For best results, avoid freezing as the noodles may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Noodle Marzetti contains roughly 388 calories, with 19g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), and calcium (85% of the Daily Value). At about 388 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whole dish in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Both work well and will absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables for best results.
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).