Description
A comforting, hearty casserole that’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and saucy layers come together in a dish the whole family will love—just like something Grandma used to make when times were tough but love was plenty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (30 ounces total) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add sugar and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked noodles.
- Spread half the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over the sour cream layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend if you prefer a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
- Freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, egg noodles, poor man's casserole, budget meal, family dinner