Hearty Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this hearty beef noodle casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Layers of tender egg noodles and seasoned ground beef create a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

This classic one-dish meal brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness, each forkful tells a story of home-cooked love.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for more.

Beef, Noodles, and All Things Cozy

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming meal that wraps you in delicious nostalgia with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying beef and noodle combination.
• Master with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal cooking skills, simple ingredients, and straightforward steps that anyone can successfully prepare.
• Perfect Family Pleaser: Kid-friendly dish that offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness, guaranteed to make everyone at the dinner table happy.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: One-pan meal that comes together quickly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a stress-free dinner solution for busy households.

Ingredients to Prep for Beef Noodle Casserole

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

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients build a robust and aromatic base that adds depth to the beef mixture.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly acidic element that balances the richness of the beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a smooth, rich sauce that helps bind the casserole together and adds luxurious creaminess.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole Easily

Step 1: Boil Egg Noodles

Grab a large pot and cook egg noodles following the package directions.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Carefully drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

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

Step 5: Blend Creamy Elements

Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, creating a luscious, velvety base.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Cheese

Fold in the cooked egg noodles and some shredded cheddar cheese, mixing everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve the casserole piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Beef Noodle Casserole: Top Cooking Tips

• Pat egg noodles dry with paper towels after draining to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy.
• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) and low-fat cream of mushroom soup to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Grate cheese freshly and let it come to room temperature for smoother, more even melting across the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.

Different Takes on Beef Noodle Casserole

• Vegetarian Hearty Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Protein Bake: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, use low-fat cream soup and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, include taco seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Beef Noodle Casserole to Family & Friends

• Cozy Family Feast: Pair this hearty beef noodle casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness and nutrition.
• Comfort Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans to complement the rich, creamy texture of the casserole.
• Bread Buddy: Warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls make perfect accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra satisfaction to your meal.
• Weekend Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks or family gatherings, this dish can be prepared ahead and reheats beautifully, making entertaining a breeze.

Best Storage for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to cut down on calories.

• What can I serve alongside this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this hearty dish perfectly and add nutritional balance.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty beef noodle casserole, blending rich ground beef, tender egg noodles, and creamy cheese into a satisfying family dinner. Melted cheddar and a golden breadcrumb topping elevate this classic dish, promising delicious warmth in every forkful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Noodles and Base:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) egg noodles
• 1 can (15 ounces/15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into small crumbles. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Drain accumulated fat from the meat mixture, returning skillet to heat.
5. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for 5-6 minutes, concentrating flavors.
6. Fold in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the meat evenly.
7. Gently incorporate cooked egg noodles and half the cheddar cheese, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.
8. Transfer entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
10. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative.
• Add depth by incorporating mushrooms or bell peppers during the sautéing stage for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to make the dish suitable for different dietary restrictions.
• Enhance creaminess by mixing in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a richer texture without overwhelming the original recipe’s balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg