Creamy Beef And Noodles
Creamy beef and noodles combine tender ground beef, flavorful tomato-based sauce, and rich mayonnaise with pasta, creating a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 6 ounces tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Crumble ground beef into a 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Microwave on High, uncovered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring once.
- Stir to break meat into pieces. Drain excess fat and liquid.
- Add tomato paste, water, salt, oregano leaves, sugar, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well.
- Microwave on High, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until the mixture boils and flavors blend, stirring once.
- In a 4-cup mixing bowl, beat the egg until blended.
- Add mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese to the beaten egg and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
- Spoon the noodle mixture over the meat mixture in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Microwave on High, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until noodles are heated through, rotating the dish once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the noodle mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen beef can be a great substitute for fresh ground beef. You can also use any kind of cheese you have on hand; a mix of cheddar and Parmesan can elevate the dish. For added flavor, sauté the onion and garlic before adding to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Beef And Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a touch of brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Rolene'S Steak for a hearty dinner or can stand alone as a comforting main course.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Beef And Noodles contains roughly 624 calories, with 22g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), and calcium (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 690mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute medium egg noodles with other pasta types like rotini or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are also great alternatives if you're looking for healthier choices.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a nice kick. Alternatively, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the noodle mixture for extra heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference for the best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and noodle mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just combine them and microwave until heated through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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).