Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole – Embark on a culinary journey. With our Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole. A dish that promises to deliver. Both taste. And thriftiness in one go. Comprising staple ingredients. Like ground beef, tomato sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar. This casserole is a testament. To flavor-packed meals. That doesn’t break the bank. Perfect for family dinners. It’s a recipe that guarantees satisfaction. With every bite.
I remember vividly the first time. I decided to make this casserole. It was a chilly evening. And I was on a mission. To prepare something warm. Comforting. Yet budget-friendly. As I mixed the creamy cheese with the savory beef. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of anticipation. The true moment of surprise. However, was seeing the faces of my husband and child. Light up with joy. At their first taste. It was not just a meal. It became a cherished memory. A testament to the power of good food. To bring us together.
What makes this Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole truly special?
Our Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole. Is not just easy on your wallet. But it’s also a hit across the dinner table. Making it the perfect choice. For family meals. Simple to prepare. With straightforward instructions. And common pantry staples. This casserole brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, cream cheese, and cheddar. In a comforting, hearty dish. Its universal appeal. Ensures it’s a dish. That both adults and children will love. Making it an invaluable addition. To your recipe collection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook. Or a beginner. This casserole promises a satisfying meal. With minimal fuss. Proving that great flavor. Doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
What You Need To Make This Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole Recipe?
Ground Beef: The star of our show. Lean ground beef keeps things hearty. But not too heavy. It’s all about bringing warmth. And comfort to your plate.
Tomato Sauce: This is our flavor canvas. Adding a touch of tanginess. That perfectly complements the beef. Setting the stage. For a rich. And savory casserole.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: Our creamy duo. That adds a luxurious texture. And a hint of tang. To balance the robust flavors. Making every bite smooth. And delightful.
Egg Noodles: These noodles are ready to soak up all the wonderful flavors. Offering a tender chewiness. That makes the casserole extra comforting.
Cheddar Cheese: The golden topping. That melts into a bubbly, delicious layer. Giving our casserole a beautiful finish. And irresistible taste.
Seasonings – Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Sugar, Salt & Pepper: The magic sprinkle. That elevates the dish, with garlic adding warmth, Italian seasoning bringing depth, sugar cutting the acidity, and salt and pepper. Making everything taste just perfect.
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Steps To Make Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole:
Step 1: Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a skillet. And over a lively medium-high flame. Cook your ground beef. Until it’s perfectly browned. Whisking away any excess grease. Then, stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic. Letting the aromas bloom. For about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Next, drench the beef in tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the sugar. And season with salt and pepper. Let everything mingle. And simmer for a few minutes. In a separate bowl. Blend the sour cream. And cream cheese. Into a smooth, dreamy mixture. Boil your egg noodles just right. Drain them. And let’s start layering.
Step 3: In a greased baking dish. Lay down a foundation of noodles. Over this, spread a layer of your cream cheese mix. Followed by a hearty layer of the beef mixture. Repeat this once more. Ending with a beefy top layer. Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese over everything. And bake. Until the cheese is bubbly and golden. About 20-25 minutes.
Tip:
For an even more flavorful casserole. Let the ground beef mixture simmer with the tomato sauce. For a bit longer than suggested. Giving it about 10-15 minutes on low heat. Allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Creating a deeper, richer base for your casserole. This extra simmering time. Lets the beef soak up. The tangy tomato. And aromatic seasonings. Ensuring every layer of your casserole is infused. With mouthwatering taste. It’s a simple step. That can elevate your dish from delicious. To unforgettable. Making it a hit at any dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Feel free to use any pasta. You have on hand. Just make sure. It’s something that holds up well in a casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole. Cover. And refrigerate. When ready. Bake as directed. Adding a few extra minutes. To the cooking time. If it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare as directed. Allow to cool. Then cover and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. And reheat in the oven.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds Ground beef
- Two 15-ounce cans Tomato sauce
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 8 ounces Sour cream
- 8 ounces Egg noodles
- 1 and 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons Minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's fully browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning with the beef and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Mix in Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook everything together for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and cream cheese until well combined.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until they're done, then drain them.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture, and then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers once more.
- Add Cheese: Top everything with the cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Enjoy your delicious Budget-Friendly Beef Casserole hot from the oven!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
