Introduction
Cheesy Bacon Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese with tender noodles. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a beloved favorite among many.
### History
Casseroles have been a staple in American cuisine for decades, often created as a way to use leftovers and feed large families. The combination of meat, cheese, and pasta is reminiscent of classic comfort foods, making this dish particularly popular in home cooking.
### Ingredients
– **For the Casserole:**
– 8 oz. egg noodles
– 1 lb. ground beef
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup milk
– **For Topping:**
– 1 cup crushed potato chips (optional for added crunch)
### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook the Noodles:**
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. **Cook the Bacon:**
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain, leaving the drippings in the pan.
4. **Brown the Beef:**
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. **Combine Ingredients:**
In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, beef, bacon, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
6. **Transfer to Baking Dish:**
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
7. **Add Cheese:**
Top with shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, sprinkle crushed potato chips on top for added crunch.
8. **Bake:**
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
### Benefits
– **Nutritional Value:** This casserole provides a good balance of protein from the beef and bacon, carbohydrates from the noodles, and calcium from the cheese.
– **Comfort Food:** It embodies the essence of comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction.
– **Versatile:** You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– Calories: 550
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 30g
– Fiber: 2g
### Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon Beef Noodle Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hearty dish that brings people together. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones during a family dinner or enjoying it solo, the flavors and comfort it offers make it a timeless recipe. Enjoy this delicious casserole and make it a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
