Description
A hearty, cheesy pasta bake made with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar. Perfect for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until beef is browned and onion softens. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Mix in cooked noodles and 1 cup cheddar cheese, tossing until combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a flavor variation.
Add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For extra spice, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg