This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe brings together everything you love about comfort food: savory seasoned beef, tender noodles, tangy tomato sauce, and plenty of bubbly cheese on top. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart as much as your kitchen, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or making a big batch for leftovers, this dish promises pure coziness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe are kitchen staples that come together to create magic! Every ingredient has its own role—some bring creamy richness, others add zest and crunch, and all work together to produce the classic, cheesy, beefy goodness you’re craving.
- Egg noodles (12 oz): The foundation of the casserole, they soak up all the flavors while keeping things wonderfully tender.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onion and gives the beef a golden, flavorful start.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the show—full of rich umami and satisfying protein.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Lends a mild, sweet flavor and classic texture to every bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): No cozy dish is complete without garlic for an aromatic punch.
- Canned tomato sauce (15 oz): Adds a smooth, savory-sweet backbone.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz can): Bring juicy bits and extra depth to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Just enough herbs to give that irresistible Italian-inspired warmth.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A gentle smoky boost without overpowering the main flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for brightening up all the other flavors—don’t be shy!
- Sour cream (1 cup): Delivers irresistible creaminess; it’s the “secret ingredient” that brings it all together.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups): Melts into golden, gooey goodness on top and inside.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds that stretchy, bubbling finishing touch everyone fights for.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh splash of green for looks and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the egg noodles and cook just until al dente—this keeps them sturdy in the oven. Drain your noodles well and set them aside so they don’t become soggy later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add your diced yellow onion and let it cook for about 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. At this point, stir in the minced garlic and give it a quick 30-second sizzle—this deepens the base flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the skillet with your onions and garlic, breaking it up with a spatula. Let it brown completely (no pink left!), then drain off any excess fat. You want deeply flavored beef without any greasiness weighing down your casserole.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the canned tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes; this step really lets the flavors marry and create a rich, savory base for your Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Mix Noodles, Cheese, and Cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it all a good toss so every noodle is coated in luscious creaminess—this keeps the casserole irresistibly moist inside after baking.
Step 6: Combine Beef Mix and Noodles
Add your warm beef and tomato mixture to the bowl of creamy noodles. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every forkful has a perfect noodle-to-beef ratio, flecked with cheese all the way through.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the combined mixture evenly, then sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella. This double-cheese layer melts into a bubbling golden crown that is almost impossible to resist!
Step 8: Bake and Rest
Slide your casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest outside the oven for about 5 minutes to help the flavors settle and make serving much easier.
How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Before bringing the Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe to the table, sprinkle generous handfuls of freshly chopped parsley over the top. This tiny step makes the whole dish pop with color and brings a bright, herby finish that balances out the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole absolutely shines when paired with crisp green salads dressed simply with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with warm, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up all the saucy, cheesy goodness left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for family-style coziness, or scoop into individual ramekins for a more polished, dinner-party feel. Making it ahead? Bake in mini foil pans and deliver comforting dinners to neighbors or family members—it’s a thoughtful and delicious care package!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in its baking dish (or transfer to airtight containers). The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often making leftovers even more irresistible the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is a dream for batch cooking! Wrap the whole baked or unbaked casserole tightly in a double layer of foil, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating to keep everything creamy and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved for convenience—just cover to prevent splatters and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles give a classic feel and hold up well, you can substitute penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just make sure they’re cooked al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
Can the Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe be made ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just pop it directly into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s well-chilled.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter, leaner version. For vegetarians, try swapping in cooked lentils or a plant-based ground alternative—the result will still be hearty and satisfying.
How can I add more veggies?
Chopped cooked mushrooms, baby spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the beef mixture while sautéing. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra nutrition without losing any of that classic casserole comfort.
Can I make this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles or short pasta. Double-check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free as well to keep every bite safe and scrumptious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe soon! There’s nothing quite like sharing a comforting, cheesy, beefy classic with the people you love. Gather everyone around the table and watch this delicious dish disappear in record time!
Print
Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Noodle Casserole recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender egg noodles are combined with a savory beef and tomato sauce, then baked with a gooey cheese topping until bubbly and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine noodles, sour cream, and half of cheddar cheese. Add beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella. Bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Enhance with cooked mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
