ramen noodle casserole recipe
The Best ramen noodle casserole recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can keep it simple with just ramen, ground beef, and cheese, or load it up with veggies, different proteins, or even a little hot sauce if your family likes things spicy. It’s also a great way to use up whatever’s in the fridge, which is always a win in my book. And while ramen noodles might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healthy eating, adding in some extra veggies and lean protein makes this a balanced meal that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating broccoli half the time, which is a parenting win if I’ve ever seen one.
Cheesy Ramen Noodle Casserole
A quick and comforting casserole made with ramen noodles, ground beef, and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 (3 oz) packages ramen noodles, seasoning discarded
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. -
2
Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper (if using) until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. -
4
Add the frozen peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. -
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked ramen noodles and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. -
6
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. -
7
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. -
8
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. -
9
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional cheese or green onions if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Cheesy Ramen Noodle Casserole Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ramen Noodle Casserole
1. Can I make ramen noodle casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time since it will start cold. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months—thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
2. What can I use instead of ramen seasoning packets?
If you don’t have ramen seasoning, you can substitute it with a mix of:
– 1 tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + ¼ tsp black pepper
– 1 bouillon cube (chicken or beef) dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
– 1 tsp miso paste (for a deeper umami flavor)
3. Can I add protein to this casserole?
Absolutely! Popular protein additions include:
– Cooked ground beef, turkey, or pork (browned and drained)
– Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken
– Diced ham or spam
– Tofu (firm, pressed, and pan-fried)
– Shrimp or canned tuna (add during the last 10 minutes of baking)
4. How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?
To avoid a mushy texture:
– Undercook the noodles slightly (boil for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
– Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
– Use less liquid—reduce broth or milk by ¼ cup if the recipe seems too wet.
– Bake uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes to crisp the top.
5. What are some easy variations for ramen noodle casserole?
Here are a few simple twists:
– Cheesy Broccoli Ramen Casserole: Add 1 cup steamed broccoli and 1 cup shredded cheddar.
– Buffalo Chicken: Mix in shredded chicken, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles.
– Vegetarian: Use veggie broth, add mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
– Mexican-Inspired: Swap seasoning for taco mix, add black beans, corn, and top with tortilla chips.
