Crock Pot Beef Noodle Casserole

A delicious and easy slow cooker dinner with ground beef, egg noodles, and cheese. This hearty, comforting beef casserole is made with simple ingredients like tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Crock Pot recipe is a family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep. The beef and noodles cook together in a savory beef broth, creating a flavorful, creamy dish topped with melted cheddar cheese. Discover the ultimate comfort food with this slow cooker beef noodle casserole, and enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 16 oz uncooked egg noodles
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a crock pot, combine the browned ground beef and diced onion.
2. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, mixing everything together.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-3.5 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before the cook time ends on low (or 15 minutes before on high), stir in the uncooked egg noodles.
6. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. With minimal effort, you’ll have a flavorful, creamy dish packed with tender noodles, savory beef, and gooey cheese. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Meat options: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Pasta alternatives: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use any other pasta variety like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of your favorites for a different twist.
• Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the mix.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the crock pot insert in the fridge, and then cook it the next day.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the microwave or oven.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
It’s best to use uncooked noodles in the slow cooker to ensure they absorb the flavors and cook properly. However, if you use pre-cooked noodles, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.

Serving Suggestions

This beef noodle casserole pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Enjoy your cozy, satisfying meal!