Italian Noodle Casserole
A hearty Italian noodle casserole featuring layers of seasoned meat, pasta, and melted cheeses. Rich tomato flavors combine with aromatic herbs, making it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its warm, flavorful profile appeals to fans of classic Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound hamburger ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano or Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 10 ounces wide noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of oil until tender.
- Add ground hamburger to the skillet and brown very lightly.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Cook the wide noodles until al dente and drain.
- Butter a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat mixture, and Parmesan cheese in the casserole dish, repeating layers.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion and celery mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you prefer a leaner meat option. If you're short on time, using store-bought marinara sauce can save preparation time. This casserole is versatile and can be adapted with your favorite Italian recipes by adding different vegetables or meats.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Noodle Casserole is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top. It also makes for a hearty dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings, much like the Easy-Cheesy Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Noodle Casserole contains roughly 539 calories, with 27g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1931mg per serving (84% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the Italian Noodle Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
In addition to Parmesan and Mozzarella, you can experiment with other cheeses like Cheddar or provolone for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences, as different cheeses melt differently and can affect the casserole's texture.
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).