Introduction: A Hearty Meal for Every Occasion
Imagine coming home after a long, exhausting day and being greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of a baked Cream Beef Noodle Casserole straight out of the oven. This dish brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners, where each bite is filled with creamy goodness, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make this classic comfort food with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, we’ll explore helpful cooking tips, variations, and frequently asked questions to ensure you create the best Cream Beef Noodle Casserole every time!
Table of Contents
- What is Cream Beef Noodle Casserole?
- Ingredients Needed
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Store and Reheat
- Serving Suggestions
- Nutritional Information
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pairing the Perfect Side Dishes
- Best Casserole Dishes and Bakeware
- Making It Ahead of Time
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts & Call to Action
What is Cream Beef Noodle Casserole?
This dish is a rich, creamy, and filling casserole made with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, a luscious creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Egg noodles | 12 oz |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Cream of cheddar soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Paprika (optional) | ½ tsp |
Optional Add-ins
- Vegetables: Add peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Spices & Herbs: Enhance flavor with thyme, parsley, or red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and sour cream.
- Mix well and pour over the beef mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked noodles.
- Spread half the beef and creamy sauce mixture on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly.
- Repeat layers and finish with Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps with common ingredients.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepares well in advance.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture.
- Mix in crushed crackers on top for a crispy finish.
- Let it rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Variations and Substitutions
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat noodles and light sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free noodles.
- Extra Spice: Add red pepper flakes for a kick!
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! You can substitute egg noodles with penne, rotini, or macaroni.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar is great, but you can also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
4. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms with butter and add heavy cream instead.
5. How do I prevent a dry casserole?
Make sure to add enough sauce and don’t overbake!
6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media.
Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish is easy to make and full of nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Vegetables: Peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Protein Options: Ground turkey or shredded chicken
- Spices & Herbs: Thyme, parsley, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and sour cream. Mix well and pour over the beef mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half the cooked noodles in the baking dish, followed by half the beef mixture and half the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers and finish with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture.
- Add crushed crackers on top for a crispy finish.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American