Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Delight

Friday Surprise Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Category: Meat
Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours

Description

A family-friendly, no-fuss casserole that packs a punch with its savory flavors and hearty ingredients. Ideal for feeding a small army or satisfying the appetites of six hungry teenage boys, this dish has been a staple in my household, raising four kids who always looked forward to this surprise every Friday.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 package (about 10 slices) Velveeta cheese
• 1 lb egg noodles
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 309.7 kcal
• Fat: 15.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2 g
• Cholesterol: 98.3 mg
• Sodium: 600.1 mg
• Carbohydrate: 10.1 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5.3 g
• Protein: 31.9 g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce the grease content.

2. Boil the Noodles:

   • While the beef mixture is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a small amount of olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.
   • Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the chopped green pepper and tomato sauce to the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
   • Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl or the pot used to cook the noodles, combine the drained noodles with the beef mixture. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
   • Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

5. Add Cheese Topping:

   • Layer the Velveeta cheese slices over the top of the noodle and beef mixture. The cheese should cover the casserole entirely for a gooey, melty topping.

6. Bake:

   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned around the edges.

7. Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set.
   • Serve hot, straight from the casserole dish. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

8. Leftovers:

   • The no-yolk egg noodles hold their texture well, making this casserole perfect for reheating the next day. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Additional Tips

• Meat Variations: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground meat while browning can enhance the flavor.

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and variety. Sauté these additional vegetables along with the onions for the best results.

• Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer a different cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be used in place of Velveeta. These will also melt nicely and provide a slightly different flavor profile.

• Herb and Spice Enhancements: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs and spices such as dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

Friday Surprise is a versatile, satisfying, and easy-to-make casserole that can quickly become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, ensuring a hearty meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply looking for a reliable dish to enjoy with your family, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Feel free to adapt and modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings to your table, and savor the joy of a home-cooked meal that’s as delightful as it is practical.