Next, I stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce, allowing it all to meld together nicely. It creates this rich, creamy mixture that coats the beef perfectly. Then, I add in the cooked noodles and mix everything until those lovely egg noodles are fully coated in the sauce. I can already tell it’s going to be delicious! Once that’s blended, I pour the mixture into my prepared baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, which will melt into a gooey layer of goodness during baking.
Now it’s time to pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). I let it bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma wafting through my kitchen is simply irresistible. When it’s done, I pull it out of the oven, and it’s hard not to dig in right away with that gooey cheese and creamy filling just waiting to be devoured.
Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly before serving to avoid the inevitable cheesy lava flow. I usually serve this casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I have tested this recipe a few different ways and one thing I can say is that using a good-quality ground beef makes a noticeable difference. I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef because the extra fat adds flavor without making the dish greasy. If you’re watching your fat intake, you could go leaner, but just know you might lose some of that rich taste.
Also, if you have a house full of cheese lovers like I do, don’t hold back on the cheese! I’ve experimented with adding more cheddar on top, and honestly, it turned out even more delicious. Mixing in a bit of mozzarella can also give that cheesy stretch that everyone loves.
Lastly, make sure not to overcook the noodles when boiling them. A little undercooked is better because they will continue cooking in the oven, soaking up the sauce and flavor. I remember one time when I got distracted, and my noodles ended up mushy. Trust me, that’s not the texture you want in a casserole!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I see is folks skimping on seasoning. I’ve been guilty of this too, thinking the cheese and creamy sauce would carry the flavors. But trust me, a good amount of salt, pepper, and garlic really elevates the dish. I recommend tasting the meat mixture before adding the noodles to make sure the seasoning is just right. (See the next page below to continue…)