Thursday, October 14, 2010

A Family-Pleasing Casserole—Creamy Beef Noodle

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Sometimes, when life gets really busy around our house, we really treasure the little moments where we can catch our breath and sit down and talk to each other….especially around the supper table.

At least, that’s what I tell myself. :) Sometimes my teenage son will roll his eyes a little and my daughter would rather run check her emails. But they both seem really glad when we all take turns talking about our days and hashing them out. Especially when we’re busy—it just seems to help make some order out of it all.

And since I’m one of the busiest members of the family, I try to make it easy on myself with a casserole. For me, it’s just less fuss and less trouble—and I get rewarded with smiles.

Chicken is the first thing I usually reach for, but my husband and kids are fond of beef. This recipe gives a quick, easy, and low-fuss meal that’s also kid-friendly.

IMG_20101012_170133 Cheesy, Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole

2 pounds ground beef
1 chopped large onion
1 large can of whole kernel corn (drained)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use low-fat and no MSG)
1 can cream of mushroom (low fat, no MSG)
1 cup sour cream
half a package of buttery crackers
half a stick of butter, melted
6 oz. egg noodles
3 T chopped garlic
sliced mushrooms
shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Cook the egg noodles, according to package directions.

Cook the ground beef with the onions, garlic, salt and pepper, and mushrooms. Drain.

Add cooked noodles, the soups, sour cream, and corn. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese (I use about a cup.) Crush the buttery crackers and mix with the melted butter, then sprinkle on top.

IMG_20101012_173256 Cook for 30 minutes at 350, uncovered.

Enjoy your time together! :)

Riley/Elizabeth
Delicious and Suspicious (July 6 2010) Riley Adams
Pretty is as Pretty Dies –Elizabeth Spann Craig

11 comments:

  1. This looks delicious and so easy to prepare. Always looking for a quick and easy dish that combines ingredients the family enjoys and this fits the bill. Thanks.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  2. Oh yeah. This is comfort food at its very best, and my family will be all over it like vultures. I'll have to double the recipe, to make enough leftovers, or they'll be complaining about being deprived!

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  3. I agree - comfort food at it finest!

    I've mentioned that I'm cooking more and more chicken lately. What I haven't mentioned is how VERY tired I'm getting of chicken!!!!!!

    I'm a beef girl, myself and if I go too long without it, I get very grumpy. This looks like my perfect "fix."

    Thank you!

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  4. You just cannot go wrong with a reliable casserole recipe. Fast, filling, satisfying and layered with flavor. ‘Tis the season for comfort food and this is perfect – love your little pumpkin in the background of your pic, too. :)

    Have a great October day,
    ~ Cleo

    Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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  5. I've been working on a healthy but comforting salmon casserole to replace the old stand-by of tuna casserole. What is it about casseroles that makes them a comfort food?

    ~ Krista

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  6. I love casseroles too and this one looks great. Reminds me of the one my mom used to make, but she never added corn. I like that. Have to try it soon! Thanks, Elizabeth!

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  7. Mason--I actually usually have all the ingredients for this casserole at hand most of the time. So it's a good emergency casserole, too!

    Laineshots--It goes fast! I was surprised how that big casserole disappeared a couple of days ago--my son was really the culprit. I guess I shouldn't be surprised if he has a growth spurt soon!

    Kaye--Chicken is great--but then it gets to be that we have chicken ALL the time at our house and the whole family is ready for something different. Beef casserole fills the bill! :)

    Cleo--Thanks! I'll have to tell my daughter...she drew the face on the pumpkin. :)

    Krista--I love the idea of that! Can't wait for you to share it. I'm not sure what it is that makes them so comforting...maybe they remind us of our childhoods?

    Julie--The corn also gives it a little color..since casseroles aren't really pretty!

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  8. this will make Mr. Nanc and the kids very happy!!! They all love casseroles ;-) Connor, the aspiring chef will heartily approve...his growth spurt has been going on for about 4 years now! At 6'3" and 16 I do hope it stops soon.
    Do you roast the pumpkin seeds once the pumpkins get squishy?
    Enjoy your fall day and thanks for a great recipe!
    nanc

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  9. Booklover--I'm so glad! WOW--Connor will need his own casserole dish all to himself!

    We LOVE pumpkin seeds here! I'll admit to adding salt to them....I know it's bad, but it's what we love. :)

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  10. LOVE the pumpkin in the background! It's supposed to rain here tomorrow -- excellent caserole weather!

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  11. Elizabeth..
    I think it is illegal here in Michigan to eat pumpkin seeds WITHOUT salt ;-) Mr. Nanc makes several different varieties...the standard salted version, one with garlic salt, one with curry powder and salt and then my fave...cinnamon sugar!! Trust me...the squirrels go crazy over all the left over pumpkin guts!!!
    Connor may just need his own casserole dish...great Christmas idea!

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