Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

### Instructions

1. **Preheat the oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

2. **Cook the noodles:**
– Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. **Cook the beef:**
– While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

4. **Prepare the sauce:**
– To the cooked beef, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. **Combine the casserole ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Then, fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.

6. **Assemble the casserole:**
– Pour the noodle and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface.

7. **Bake the casserole:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

8. **Serve and enjoy:**
– Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

### Tips and Variations

– **Vegetable add-ins:** For added nutrition and flavor, try adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. You can sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
– **Spicy kick:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
– **Cheese options:** While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese can add a unique twist to the dish.
– **Make it ahead:** This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.

### Why This Casserole is a Family Favorite

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the comfort of pasta, and the irresistible appeal of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, satisfying even the hungriest appetites. The layers of cheese add a gooey richness, while the beef provides a savory, protein-packed base. The sour cream adds a creamy texture that ties everything together, and the tomato sauce creates a savory depth that keeps each bite interesting.

This dish also offers versatility: you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences, whether that means using different cheeses, adding extra veggies, or using a different kind of pasta.

### Final Thoughts

**Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar ingredients with bold flavors for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy meal at home, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

It’s the perfect balance of easy, comforting, and delicious. So, next time you’re craving a satisfying meal that’s both filling and full of flavor, look no further than this cheesy, beefy casserole. It’s sure to please everyone at the table!