When it comes to making an inexpensive meal to feed the family, this Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet Casserole is one of my favorites. Seasoned ground beef that is tossed in a creamy sauce with cooked egg noodles and peas and is ready to eat in just 20 minutes!
With just 6 ingredients I can make this entire meal for less than $1 per serving. Not only is it inexpensive, it is a dinner that will keep you feeling full for hours.
Although the cost of the meal will vary depending on where you live and where you shop, you can actually make this dinner for even less money with a little planning.
Cost Saving Tips
1. Purchase Ground Beef In Large Quantities
Instead of buying one pound of ground beef, consider buying it in a larger package. You can find 3 pound, family size packages at most grocery stores.
The larger quantity is most often less expensive per pound than the single pound package. Then when you get home, simply divide the meat into 3 equal portions.
Use the meat throughout the week to make Meatloaf, Ground Beef & Zucchini Skillet, and of course, this Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet Casserole.
However, if you aren’t going to use the meat before the ‘Best By Date’, then use a Food Saver to seal it and put it in the freezer for later use.
2. Searching For Sale Prices
Of course one of the most obvious ways to save money is to purchase items when they are on sale. Even if you aren’t planning to make this recipe in the next few days, if you see ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, egg noodles, or frozen or canned peas on sale, by all means, purchase them.
Your favorite grocery store will often have these items on sale and it is a great time to purchase them at a discounted price.
3. Use Coupons
The use of coupons is increasing tremendously as grocery costs are on the rise. However, don’t wait for your Sunday newspaper or the grocery store flyer to arrive in your mailbox.
Although paper coupons are still readily available, digital coupons are being offered at most large grocery stores. It is a great way to save money, but a little planning is necessary.
First, you must have access to a computer or a mobile device that supports the store’s app. Once you log in to your account with the store, you can search for digital coupons.
Download the coupon to your account, and when you check out at the store, the discount is automatically applied when you give them your rewards card or phone number.
It is a great system that doesn’t require you to bring paper coupons to the store. However, if you aren’t quite tech savvy, simply ask your check out clerk and they most likely will be able to scan the digital coupon at the register.
4. Meal Planning
A great way to save money when making meals is the do a little meal planning in advance. Because this recipe calls for 1/4 of a cup of both onion and green pepper, you will have to find another use for the vegetables before they go bad.
Take a little time before heading to the grocery to plan out your meals based on the ingredients required. For instance, use the remaining onion and green pepper to make a Sloppy Joe Casserole later in the week.
Or add the green peppers and onions in your breakfast omelet or Keto Egg Muffins. It is a great way to add a little flavor and crunch to your egg dishes.
Now that I have shared with you how economical this meal is to make, let’s get to the actual recipe!
Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet Casserole Recipe
*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz egg noodles, dried
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup green pepper, diced
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium
- 1 can peas (or 1 1/2 cups of frozen or fresh peas)
- salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
The first step in making this ground beef and noodle skillet casserole is to cook the noodles. Do this by filling a large stockpot with cold water.
Then place the pot over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, season the water with salt and then add the egg noodles. Cook the noodles per package instructions for al’ dente consistency.
You want the noodles tender, but firm enough to hold up when being mixed with the other ingredients. When the noodles are at al’ dente consistency, drain and set aside.
While the noodles are boiling, brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Once the beef is half way cooked, add the diced onions and green peppers.
Continue to cook until the ground beef is no longer pink. Then drain the ground beef mixture and discard the grease.
Return the meat mixture to the skillet. Stir the cream of mushroom soup in with the ground beef.
Then add in the cooked and drained noodles and toss. Continue to cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring and tossing frequently.
Next, add the drained or frozen peas to the skillet and stir. Continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the peas are warm.
It is best to serve the ground beef and noodle skillet casserole immediately while it is still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I leave out the peas?
If you aren’t a fan of peas, you can leave them out or substitute them with another vegetable. Some common substitutions are corn, mixed vegetables or mushrooms.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add the ground beef and noodle casserole back into a large skillet.
Then add 1 tablespoon of water and place over medium heat until warmed through. Or add individual portions to a plate and heat with 1/2 teaspoon of water in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Although the recipe calls for wide egg noodles, you can use other types of pasta as well. Penne, Rotini, and small shells are great to use in this recipe.
Just be sure to follow the instructions on the noodle package to cook them to al’ dente consistency.
There you have it! Not only is this recipe delicious, it is an easy to make, 6 ingredient recipe. Feed your family for less and customize this recipe to your liking. I am sure it will become a new family favorite!
Enjoy! Mary
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Ground Beef Noodle Casserole
An easy and inexpensive dinner recipe to feed the family. Ground beef, noodles & peas cooked in a creamy sauce that will keep you feeling full for hours.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 c chopped onion
- 1/4 c chopped green pepper
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can peas (or frozen or fresh)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot of cold water over high heat. Once the water begins to boil, add salt and egg noodles and cook per package instructions for al' dente consistency. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are boiling, brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Once the beef is half way cooked, add the diced onions and green peppers. When the ground beef is no longer pink, drain the grease and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Stir the cream of mushroom soup in with the ground beef. Add in the cooked noodles and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, tossing to coat the noodles.
- Add the drained peas and stir. Continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the peas are warm.
- Serve immediately
Notes
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 293Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 477mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 21g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.