Homemade Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a delightful beef noodle casserole brings comfort to your weeknight dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of tender beef, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create a harmonious meal everyone will adore.

Nutritious and filling, this casserole offers a balanced approach to home cooking.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the simple yet robust flavors that make this recipe special.

My grandmother’s secret touch involves a splash of unexpected seasoning that elevates the entire experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-warming culinary creation.

Twist Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles or swap with zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Variation: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and replace tomato sauce with cream of mushroom soup for a rich, earthy flavor profile.

Serving Beef Noodle Casserole Warm

• Family Feast Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of your dinner table, perfect for Sunday gatherings with loved ones.
• Potluck Party Sensation: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community events, where its cheesy, comforting layers will disappear quickly.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Pack leftovers in lunch containers for an easy next-day meal that tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
• Customizable Comfort Bowl: Top individual servings with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Storing Beef Noodle Casserole Properly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
• Separate portions into individual containers for easier reheating and to preserve freshness.
• Freeze the casserole for up to 2 months by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of noodles, cheese, and mild seasonings makes this casserole a hit with children. It’s a comforting meal that most kids will enjoy.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture. This boosts nutrition without changing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Beef Noodle Casserole: Hearty and Savory

• Quick Family Feast: Prepare a satisfying meal that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples into a hearty, delicious casserole that delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal packed with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness that minimizes cleanup and maximizes satisfaction.

Ingredients for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that provides a satisfying foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that adds rich flavor and creamy texture.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients create a robust and tangy sauce for the casserole.
• Sour Cream: A creamy element that adds richness and smoothness to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that bring out the savory notes of the beef and enhance overall taste.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for the delicious casserole ahead.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodle Base

Boil the egg noodles following the package guidance.

Once done, drain them completely and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Foundation

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in olive oil.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it cooks.

Continue until the meat turns a rich brown color. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 5: Create the Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef

• Cooked noodles
• Sour cream
• Beef mixture

Ensure everything is evenly coated and well-mixed.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the creamy noodle and beef blend into a greased casserole 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.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips for Savory Beef Noodle Casserole

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley before baking for extra freshness.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium tomato sauce and controlling salt quantity during cooking.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Choose whole wheat noodles to increase fiber content and boost nutritional value of the dish.

Quick Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens with rich, creamy layers of ground beef and tender pasta. Cheesy, satisfying meal welcomes families around dinner tables with warm, nostalgic flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces or 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, thoroughly draining and setting aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat while breaking it into small crumbles and eliminating excess grease.
5. Enhance the meat mixture with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld during a 5-minute simmer.
6. Create a harmonious blend by combining cooked noodles, creamy sour cream, and the seasoned beef mixture in a spacious mixing bowl.
7. Transfer the combined ingredients to a lightly greased casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, covering the surface completely.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling the ingredients to settle before serving, which helps maintain its structural integrity.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor and texture.
• Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier alternative that accommodates dietary restrictions.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils while maintaining the same seasoning and cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg