Beef Stroganoff Casserole

 A nice hearty meal.  I especially love this on a cold winter day.   You can leave the mushrooms out if you or your family are not mushroom fans.  You want to make the "sauce" at least 4 hours before if possible.  It will make it taste much better.  I normally will make mine in the morning or the night before.  

BEEF SROGANOFF CASSEROLE

(serves 6-8)

Sauce Ingredients: (or add 2 cups of your favorite ranch dressing and 1 tablespoon dijon mustard)

*1 cup mayonnaise 

*1 cup buttermilk

*1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (1/2 tablespoon dried)

*1 tablespoon fresh dill weed, chopped  (1/2 tablespoon dried)

*1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (1/2 tablespoon dried)

*1 tablespoon dijon mustard

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Casserole Ingredients:

*1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked as directed on the package and drained

*1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced

*1 teaspoon butter

*1 1/2 pounds ground beef

*1 medium yellow onion, chopped

*3-garlic cloves, minced

*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

*1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth (or beef broth)

*1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded

Topping Ingredients:

*1 sleeve  (or 1 cup bread crumbs)

*3 tablespoons butter, melted

Sauce Directions:

~In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parley, 1 tablespoon  chopped fresh dill weed, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours

Casserole Directions:

~Spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

~Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

~Add in 1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms and fry for about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are mostly done, stirring often.

~Add in 1 chopped medium yellow onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

~Add in 1 1/2 pounds ground beef and 3 minced onions and cook until ground beef is done.

~Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 1 minute.

~Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked egg noodles, and the sauce mix until well combined.

~Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.

Topping Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix 1 cup crushed ritz crackers and 2 tablespoons melted butter together until well combined.

~Sprinkle evenly over top of casserole.

~Bake for 30 minutes, or until mixture is bubbly and topping is a golden brown.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.