Description
A comforting, budget-friendly classic, this casserole layers seasoned ground beef in a tomato-based sauce, a creamy cheese blend, and tender egg noodles, all topped with melted cheddar. It’s a simple dish packed with hearty flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
1½ pounds ground beef
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Layer
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces sour cream
Other Layers
8 ounces egg noodles
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Incorporate tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
Layer half the cooked noodles in a baking dish, followed by half the cream mixture and half the meat sauce. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with a topping of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Feel free to add sautéed onions or bell peppers to the meat layer for extra flavor and texture. This casserole also freezes well for future meals.