Savory Christmas Eve Beef Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add the cooked egg noodles to the beef mixture and stir until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

For a bit of a kick, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. If you have picky eaters, you can substitute the peas and carrots with corn or green beans. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and ensure the soup is gluten-free as well. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.