My Favorite Noodle Casserole
Creamy, hearty noodle casserole with ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy soups; perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the broad noodles until al dente, then rinse and set aside.
- Brown chopped onion, diced celery, diced pepper, and ground beef in butter until cooked through.
- Add salt and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture.
- Blend the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with 3/4 can of water.
- Add the soup mixture to the noodle and beef mixture, stirring well.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 45 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use any type of pasta you have on hand instead of broad noodles. Enhance flavor by adding garlic or Italian herbs to the beef mixture. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider stirring in some sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty noodle casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Dad'S Favorite Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking for a golden, bubbly finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover noodle casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Noodle Casserole contains roughly 197 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1298mg per serving (56% 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. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of celery soup or a homemade white sauce. Mixing in some sautéed mushrooms with a bit of heavy cream can also create a similar flavor profile.
Is it possible to freeze this noodle casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the original baking instructions.
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).