Emeril's Cheesy Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, adapted from "Emeril's Potluck, 2004

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1  lb bacon, chopped
• 3 1⁄2 lbs  top sirloin steaks, trimmed and sliced into strips about 1 x 3 inches
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 4  cups  thinly sliced onions
• 1  tablespoon  minced garlic
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup dry red wine
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1  teaspoon  Emeril's Original Essence
• 1  lb  large white button mushrooms, wiped clean, trimmed, and sliced
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped red onion
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped green onion
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  lb  wide egg noodles
• 1  cup sour cream
• 2  cups  grated white cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Cook the bacon in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over high heat until slightly crispy, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add the beef to the bacon and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and the flour. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the red wine and the beef broth. Stir to blend and bring to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the Essence. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, red and green onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Combine 4 quarts water, the olive oil, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, add the noodles, and cook until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the beef sauce and the sour cream and toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish. (This will be a tight fit.) Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the noodle mixture. Place the baking dish on a large baking sheet and bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.