Friendship Casserole

Hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing, Friendship Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering or potluck. This delicious baked pasta dish combines tender egg noodles with a rich and savory ground beef marinara sauce, gently seasoned with garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and a touch of sweetness. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, this casserole is baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Not only is it easy to prepare with minimal prep time, but it also delivers a warm, nostalgic flavor that's meant to bring loved ones together around the table. Whether you're meal prepping for your family or brightening a friend's day with a dish made from the heart, this recipe is the definition of comfort food at its finest.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 as needed nonstick cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, water, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles and the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the noodles.

Step 7

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the noodle mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy with friends or family for a delicious and heartfelt meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2572.2 grams (2572.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3671

Total Fat 242.70g	311%
Saturated Fat 103.00g	515%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 957mg	319%
Sodium 5924mg	258%
Total Carbohydrate 138.20g	50%
Dietary Fiber 12.40g	44%
Total Sugars 32.10g
Protein 239.40g	479%

Vitamin D 0IU	2%
Calcium 2286mg	176%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 2669mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 15.0%