I stumbled upon this ground beef casserole recipe during a frantic search for something hearty and comforting, and let me tell you, it’s like discovering an old family treasure hidden in a dusty cookbook. Imagine the cozy aroma wafting through your kitchen, evocative of fall evenings spent with loved ones, while the bubbling cheese on top invites you into its warm embrace—it’s almost like a culinary hug. Plus, with the chaos of daily life (and the latest Netflix series drop), this dish is a breeze to whip up, leaving more time for those guilty pleasures.
Steps
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it turns brown and crumbly, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt to the beef, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then remove from heat and cover.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles in the boiling water, occasionally stirring, for 7 to 9 minutes until they are firm yet tender. Drain the noodles.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the noodles are cooking. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for layering.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion, mixing until well blended.
- In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles, followed by half of the sour cream mixture, and then half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 package (8 ounces) egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3042 | Total Fat: 198g | Saturated Fat: 97g | Cholesterol: 804mg | Sodium: 5850mg | Total Carbohydrate: 138g | Dietary Fiber: 18g | Total Sugars: 54g | Protein: 186g | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 1434mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 5238mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the tomato sauce with another type of sauce?
- Yes, you can use pasta sauce or marinara sauce as a substitute for tomato sauce. This might alter the flavor slightly, but it can add a nice twist to the dish.
- Is it possible to add more vegetables to the casserole?
- Absolutely! You can include vegetables such as broccoli rabe, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are chopped and cooked slightly before adding them to the casserole.
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble all the layers and cover it tightly before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted.
- What can I do if I don’t have egg noodles?
- If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use any other type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- How can I make this casserole spicier?
- To add a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use spicy cheddar cheese for an extra kick.
Tips
- Consider sautéing the onion with the ground beef for extra flavor, especially if you prefer a milder onion taste.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and sour cream based on your personal preference or what you have available; it will still taste delicious.
- If you prefer a more robust flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a different twist, use pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce and layer extra cheese on top for a richer taste.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
