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Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

This hearty Ground Beef Casserole combines savory ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with creamy noodles and a blend of cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. It's a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, featuring Italian seasoning and a trio of cheeses for rich taste and texture.

Ingredients

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 pound ground round
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano (undrained)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Noodles and Cream Mixture

  • 3 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
  • 5 green onions, chopped
  • 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
  • 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground round. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink and fully browned.
  2. Prepare Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, Rotel tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer over low heat to blend the flavors while you prepare the noodles and cream mixture.
  3. Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain them thoroughly.
  4. Mix Noodles with Creamy Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chopped green onions, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until fully blended and creamy.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the noodle and cream mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish evenly. Then layer the simmered beef and tomato sauce mixture on top. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  6. Cover and Bake: Spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and place the sprayed side down over the top of the baking dish to cover the casserole. This prevents sticking and helps maintain moisture.
  7. Bake and Finish: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, you can sauté some minced garlic with the ground beef before adding the tomatoes.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, use a can of Rotel tomatoes with jalapeños for added heat.
  • Make sure to drain the noodles very well to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
  • The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.