Beefy Casserole
A hearty beef casserole with tomatoes, cheese, and noodles, offering rich flavors and creamy textures—perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 small green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 8 oz. package thin egg noodles ⓘ
- 3 oz. package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, diced onion, and green pepper in a skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add drained tomatoes and tomato sauce to the beef mixture and continue simmering.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese and mix with sour cream.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture.
- Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream mixture until well combined.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the casserole and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute turkey for the ground beef. You can also swap the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier twist. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for later, similar to other beef recipes like Johnny M Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beefy Casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beefy Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefy Casserole contains roughly 1231 calories, with 52g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (105% of the Daily Value), calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2974mg per serving (129% 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 meat in this casserole?
Yes! You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning as needed, since different meats have varying flavor strengths.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add lentils or beans for protein and texture, making it a hearty dish without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).