Homestyle Creamy Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s beef noodle casserole stands as a testament to comfort cuisine’s magical transformation of humble ingredients.

Creamy cascades of melted cheese embrace tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles in this irresistible dish.

Families crave this soul-soothing recipe that turns ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary gatherings.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of rich, harmonious flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple yet elegant, this casserole requires minimal effort but generates maximum deliciousness.

Hearty and satisfying, it promises to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has stolen hearts across countless dinner tables.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Inside Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Chuck: Select fresh, lean meat with minimal fat for a rich, hearty flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Choose a high-quality, no-added-sugar sauce for deeper tomato essence.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for maximum taste impact.

• Egg Noodles: Pick wide, curly noodles that hold sauce beautifully and provide delightful texture.
• Sour Cream: Select full-fat version for creamy, luxurious consistency.
• Cottage Cheese: Look for small-curd cottage cheese for smoother blending.
• Green Onions: Choose bright, crisp green onions with firm white bases for fresh crunch.

• Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp cheddar for intense, tangy cheese flavor that melts wonderfully.
• Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty foil to protect cheese from excessive browning.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Pick unsalted butter or non-stick spray for easy dish preparation.

Helpful Equipment for Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and simmering sauce evenly.
• Colander: Essential for draining noodles quickly and thoroughly.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sour cream, cottage cheese, and noodles smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size for layering and baking the casserole.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light flavor.
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the casserole if cheese browns too quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients gently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole to melty, bubbly perfection.

Making a Batch of Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

• Fire Up The Oven Prep Your Workspace

Get your oven warmed to a cozy 350°F and grab a large baking dish. Quickly spray or butter the dish to keep everything from sticking.

• Brown The Hearty Meat Blend

Sizzle ground chuck in a skillet, breaking it into crumbly bits. Once fully cooked, drain away excess fat. Pour in tomato sauce and sprinkle with seasonings. Let the mixture simmer and mingle flavors for a few minutes.

• Craft The Creamy Noodle Base

Boil egg noodles until perfectly tender. While they drain, whip together sour cream, cottage cheese, and a dash of pepper in a large bowl. Gently fold the noodles and sliced green onions into this luscious mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated.

• Build Delicious Layers

Start layering your casserole like a culinary architect. Spread half the noodle mixture across the bottom, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce and a blanket of shredded cheddar. Repeat these layers, finishing with a cheese crown that will turn golden and bubbly.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the waiting oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, slightly crispy topping. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent with foil to protect its delicate surface. Pull out a steaming dish of comfort that’ll have everyone racing to the dinner table!

How to Add Your Own Spin to Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

Tasty Twists and Smart Cooking Hacks

Replace ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish exciting and nutritious.

Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, pepper jack, or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic casserole experience.

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, making meal planning a breeze for busy families.

Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce, adding color, texture, and hidden vegetables that everyone will love.

Plating Ideas for Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Add crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful crunch alongside the creamy noodle dish.
• Offer Cool Vegetable Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw or cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Planning and Storage Guide for Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Portion and Save: Divide into individual servings before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain the casserole's texture when you're ready to enjoy a quick meal.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman beef noodle casserole combines creamy textures with rich ground beef and comforting pasta. Midwestern kitchen charm meets simple ingredients for a satisfying family dinner that brings everyone together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ lbs (567 g) ground chuck
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼ cups small curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 8 oz (227 g) egg noodles
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup sliced green onions, adjust to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Meat Foundation: Brown ground chuck in a large skillet, draining excess fat. Incorporate tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, simmering for 5 minutes to develop robust flavors.
3. Noodle Preparation: Cook egg noodles in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.
4. Creamy Binding: Blend sour cream and cottage cheese until silky smooth, seasoning with black pepper. Gently fold in cooked noodles and green onions, ensuring uniform coating.
5. Layering Technique: Spread half the noodle mixture in the baking dish, top with meat sauce and sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
6. Baking Process: Slide casserole into the oven, baking for 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Shield with aluminum foil if cheese browns too quickly to prevent burning.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose 80/20 ground chuck for optimal flavor and moisture, ensuring a rich, juicy base for the casserole.
• Noodle Texture: Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite in the final dish.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Baking Watch: Monitor casserole closely during final minutes to achieve golden, bubbly cheese without over-browning the top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg