Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 12 oz package egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly, preventing any undercooked or burnt areas.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free cooking experience.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. This ensures the beef is cooked through and adds flavor, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Drain excess fat. This prevents the casserole from being greasy, ensuring a lighter and more enjoyable dish.
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Make the Sauce:
- Add the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. This combines all the sauce ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful mixture.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, creating a robust and well-balanced sauce.
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Cook the Egg Noodles:
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Drain and toss with the sour cream until fully coated. This adds creaminess and prevents the noodles from sticking together, creating a smooth and creamy layer.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the creamy noodles in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of the casserole, creating a solid foundation for the other ingredients.
- Top with the beef and tomato sauce. This adds the savory layer, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the top. This creates a cheesy, melty topping, enhancing the texture and flavor of the casserole.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. This ensures the casserole is cooked through and the cheese is perfectly melted, creating a golden-brown crust.
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Let Stand and Serve:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and cool slightly, preventing it from being too runny.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Drain ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Let casserole rest for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American