Gourmet Beef Noodle Casserole
A hearty and flavorful beef noodle casserole combining seasoned ground sirloin, vegetables, and creamy cheese layers, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic or garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. low sodium beef broth ⓘ
- 8 oz. medium size noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground sirloin with chopped onion in vegetable oil; drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, drained mushrooms, garlic, sugar, and beef broth; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Cook and drain noodles according to package instructions.
- Mix cottage cheese and sour cream together.
- Layer one-third of the meat mixture in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add a layer of cooked noodles and a layer of cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and a little cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder if fresh garlic isn't available. You can substitute ground sirloin with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you want a creamier texture, try adding a bit of cream cheese to the cottage cheese and sour cream mixture. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning to enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Beef Noodle Casserole contains roughly 814 calories, with 28g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative that offers a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option, which will add a tangy flavor while keeping the dish creamy and delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and heated through, usually after about 40 minutes of baking. To ensure it's cooked thoroughly, you can insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot. The cheese on top should also be melted and slightly golden.
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).