Chili Noodle Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef with chopped onions until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Mix cooked macaroni with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add the tomato puree (or sauce or chopped tomatoes) to the mixture and combine well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Optionally, place slices of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with garlic powder or chili powder while cooking. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, using whole grain elbow macaroni can boost the dish's nutritional value. Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture, much like in Brandon'S Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Noodle Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness. For a comforting winter meal, consider serving alongside Beef, Bean And Barley Stew for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until hot, ensuring even heating without drying out the casserole.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Noodle Casserole contains roughly 339 calories, with 11g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Chili Noodle Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato puree?
If you don't have tomato puree, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Both will add a similar flavor and texture to the casserole. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if using a sauce that contains added spices.
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).