Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: Heartwarming Family Favorite

Crafting a hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort and warmth to any meal.

Layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy sauce create a delightful culinary experience.

Families adore this classic dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Cheese melts perfectly between each noodle, adding a golden, irresistible touch.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this easy-to-prepare recipe that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Quick assembly means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.

Dive into this mouthwatering casserole and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Storage Advice for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Why use both sour cream and cottage cheese?

These dairy products add richness and creaminess to the casserole, creating a smoother texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives, maintaining similar texture and cooking method while offering a leaner protein option.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat dairy products, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and fiber content.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Beef Noodle Casserole: A Hearty Meal

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a satisfying dinner that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious solution fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine hearty ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles into a mouthwatering casserole that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Versatile Family Favorite: Customize this dish by adding extra veggies, changing up the cheese, or adjusting seasonings to suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with layers of cheesy, meaty goodness that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds a soft and comforting texture to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and rich binding for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds a delicious golden topping and extra flavor.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and moisture-rich foundation for the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory notes to the casserole.

How to Prepare Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

This ensures a perfect cooking environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook The Noodles

Boil your egg noodles following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain them and set aside, keeping them ready for the next stage of your culinary adventure.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their incredible flavors.

Step 4: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up and cooking until it turns a rich, appetizing brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep your dish light and delectable.

Step 5: Create A Savory Sauce

Introduce tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef.

Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy base.

Step 7: Combine All Components

Fold the cooked noodles and beef mixture into the cheese blend.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 8: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a tempting golden layer.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and become beautifully bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella or monterey jack for enhanced flavor complexity and creamy texture.
• Slightly undercook egg noodles before baking since they'll continue cooking in the casserole, preventing mushy texture.
• Prepare casserole in advance, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
• Boost flavor by adding fresh chopped parsley or basil on top after baking for a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Variations for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles and replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, keeping the overall flavor profile intact.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Family Dinner Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves hearty, comforting food that comes together quickly and satisfies hungry appetites.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add bright colors and extra flavor layers that make the dish pop.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach directly into the beef and cheese mixture before baking.
• Side Dish Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Creamy layers of tender beef, egg noodles, and rich cheese sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Grains:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Elevate your oven temperature to 350F (175C) for optimal casserole baking.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package guidelines, ensuring they are perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, browning the meat completely. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to maintain a lean dish.
5. Enhance the mixture with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the flavors to meld by simmering for 5 minutes.
6. Create a creamy base in a spacious mixing bowl by combining sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Gently fold the cooked noodles and seasoned beef mixture into the cheese blend, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
8. Transfer the combined mixture to a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. Generously scatter the remaining cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface for a golden, melted topping.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown layer.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Customize cheese varieties by swapping cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or ground turkey, which maintains protein while cutting calories.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding hidden vegetables like grated carrots or diced bell peppers during the onion sautéing stage.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg