Creamy Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

If you’re in search of a delicious, comforting meal that combines the richness of beef with the creamy texture of a casserole, look no further than this Creamy Beef Noodle Bake! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s ideal for feeding a family, meal prepping, or making a hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this creamy beef noodle bake.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the pasta flavor.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles: Once the water is boiling, add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside. You can toss them with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. This adds depth to the flavor of the beef.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine everything, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove from Heat: Once the beef mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and set aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Once the butter has melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. Add the Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the Cheeses: Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Beef, Noodles, and Sauce

1. Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the beef mixture, and the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the creamy beef mixture.
2. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

1. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, add the panko breadcrumbs. This will give the dish a beautiful, crunchy top when baked.
2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the breadcrumbs. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and turn golden brown during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
2. Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional): If you prefer a crunchier, golden brown top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with Parsley: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve your creamy beef noodle bake with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

1. Use Ground Beef with Some Fat: For the best flavor, use 80% lean ground beef. The fat adds richness to the sauce and keeps the casserole moist. If you’re using leaner meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, consider adding a little extra butter or olive oil to keep the dish moist.
2. Customize the Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese or use different kinds. Mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack all melt beautifully and add richness to the dish.
3. Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some veggies to make this dish even more hearty and nutritious. Consider adding chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even bell peppers to the beef mixture. Sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
4. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
5. Freezing Instructions: This creamy beef noodle bake also freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time if necessary.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or lentils for a plant-based version. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to create a hearty, meatless casserole.
2. Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes into the creamy sauce.
3. Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb. You can still enjoy the creamy beef filling while cutting down on carbs.
4. Gluten-Free Version: If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your flour and breadcrumbs are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty beef, tender noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce, all topped with melty cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that will satisfy everyone at the table and make for a comforting meal to enjoy time and time again.

Yield: 8

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

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If you're in search of a delicious, comforting meal that combines the richness of beef with the creamy texture of a casserole, look no further than this Creamy Beef Noodle Bake! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s ideal for feeding a family, meal prepping, or making a hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
5. Mix in the sauces: Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture and stir until the noodles are well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
8. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

You can add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach to make it even more hearty and nutritious.

If you prefer a spicier version, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.