Step 1: Cook Noodles and Preheat Oven
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions, ensuring they are slightly firmer than normal (al dente). While the noodles are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F and generously coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Build the Beef Sauce
Heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking the meat up into small crumbles. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the onion softens and the beef is completely cooked through. Drain off any excess grease, then season the beef mixture with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer and Combine
Add the canned tomato sauce, the drained diced tomatoes, and the Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir well and let the sauce bubble lightly. Drain the cooked egg noodles completely and add them directly to the large pan with the beef and sauce. Toss the entire mixture well until the noodles are fully coated.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared 9″x13″ baking pan and spread evenly. Top the casserole generously with the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes, or just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Sprinkle the finished casserole with the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley before serving.