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Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet Casserole – An Inexpensive Meal To Feed The Family

When it comes to an inexpensive meal to feed the family, this Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet Casserole is one of my favorites. Seasoned ground beef that is tossed with cooked egg noodles and peas and that is ready to eat in just 20 minutes!

With just 6 ingredients I made this entire meal for the cost of 90 cents per serving. Not only was it inexpensive, it also is a dinner that will keep you full for hours.

Although the cost of the meal with vary depending on where you live and where you shop, you can actually make this dinner for even less money with a little planning.

ground beef noodle casserole
This inexpensive, yet delicious meal is a great way to feed the family on a budget.

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 divided the meat in 3 equal portions.

Use the meat throughout the week to make 1 lb. 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 Cost Savings Tips At The Grocery 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.

ground beef in skillet
Ground beef can be purchased at a discount when you buy it in larger, family size quantities.

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 to arrive.

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 stores 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.

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.

ground beef, onions, and green pepper
Once the meat is half way cooked, add the diced onions and green peppers.

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, let’s get to the actual recipe!

Ground Beef & 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
  • 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 & 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.

cream of mushroom soup on ground beef
Cream of mushroom soup is what gives this casserole that creamy texture.

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 & noodle skillet casserole immediately.

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 & 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.

frozen peas added to skillet
Add drained, frozen, or fresh peas for a complete meal.

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.

Why You Should Make Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet Casserole

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

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.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the drained peas and stir. Continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the peas are warm.
  5. Serve immediately

Notes

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Amount 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.

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