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Beef Noodle Casserole
This Beef Noodle Casserole is a hearty, comforting family dish that blends tender layers of noodles, savory beef and pork, and a rich tomato-cheese sauce. Originating from mid-20th century American kitchens, this casserole reflects a practical yet delicious approach to home cooking — making use of pantry staples like Campbell’s tomato soup. The result is a bubbling, flavorful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Its simplicity, warmth, and nostalgic taste make it a beloved staple for potlucks, Sunday dinners, and cold evenings alike.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 12
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lb ground beef
  • 1 ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 qt tomatoes (canned )
  • 2 cans Campbell’s tomato soup
  • ½ lb sharp white cheese (grated)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 oz wide noodles
  • 8 oz thin noodles
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Meat

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and pork slightly over medium heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  • Add tomatoes, tomato soup, grated sharp white cheese, minced garlic, bay leaf, and salt.
  • Stir together and cook until the cheese is melted and well combined. Remove bay leaf before assembling.

Step 3: Boil the Noodles

  • In a separate pot, boil both wide and thin noodles until just tender. Drain well.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  • Alternate layers of noodles and meat sauce in a large baking dish, ending with sauce on top.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • If the casserole is cold before baking, allow extra time (up to 1 hour).

Step 6: Serve

  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10–12.

Tips

  • Use all beef instead of beef + pork if preferred.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Add sautéed onions or bell peppers with the meat for extra flavor.
  • Remove the bay leaf before assembling the casserole.
  • Top with additional grated cheese before baking for a browned cheesy crust.
  • Use all wide or all thin noodles if you don’t want to mix both.
  • Season the sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and Italian-style herbs if desired.
  • This dish reheats well; assemble ahead and bake when needed.
  • Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 740mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword baked pasta, beef casserole, cheesy casserole, crowd-pleaser, family dinner, noodles, tomato sauce, vintage
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