Irresistibly Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Satisfying hunger with a hearty beef noodle casserole has never been easier or more delightful.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning when you combine tender meat, pasta, and creamy sauce.

Layers of rich flavors meld together in this simple yet impressive dish.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and delicious, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction that brings everyone around the table.

You’ll want to savor every comforting spoonful of this classic casserole.

Beef Noodle Casserole Summary

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This beef noodle casserole transforms complex cooking into a one-pan wonder that saves precious kitchen time and minimizes cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for both kids and adults at family gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese types to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated adjustments.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Utilizing affordable pantry staples and ground beef, this casserole provides a delicious solution for feeding multiple mouths without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds a rich, tangy flavor to the top of the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce: A classic sauce that brings moisture and depth to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy ingredients that create a luscious and smooth texture throughout the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a foundational flavor base for the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Noodle Base

Boil the egg noodles following the package guidelines. Once perfectly tender, drain the water and set the noodles aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium warmth. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly. Make sure to break up the meat into small crumbles.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 5: Create Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Mix Casserole Components

• Cooked noodles
• Beef mixture
• Sour cream
• Cream of mushroom soup

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 7: Assemble and Top Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Choose wide egg noodles for better texture and easier scooping in the casserole.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that tastes equally delicious.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomato sauce and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for extra brightness.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Vegetarian Noodle Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Family Potluck Star: Bring this dish to gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to transport and serve.
• Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making dinner prep a breeze for busy families.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into a delicious lunch by reheating and serving with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store beef noodle casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's covered tightly with plastic wrap or sealed lid.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, which helps preserve flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with pasta like rotini, penne, or wide egg noodles. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

Best Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole combines classic comfort food with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and creamy cheese sauce. Diners will savor each comforting bite of this classic midwestern dish that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces or 285 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease.
5. Incorporate tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. Create the casserole base by mixing cooked noodles, seasoned beef, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup in a large mixing bowl.
7. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist on this classic comfort dish, boosting fiber and nutritional value.
• Keep extra moisture at bay by thoroughly draining noodles and beef to prevent a soggy casserole texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that work perfectly with the existing seasonings.
• Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg