Hearty Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Savory beef noodle casserole promises a comforting meal that melts in your mouth.

Layers of tender pasta and rich meat create a hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy sauce binds ingredients together, delivering warmth with every forkful.

Weeknight dinners become special when this classic combination hits the table.

Cheese adds a golden, crispy topping that makes everyone smile.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

I guarantee you’ll want seconds of this delicious comfort food.

Beef Noodle Casserole’s Rich, Homestyle Comfort Appeal

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken or pork for the ground beef, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family Dinner Champion: Perfect for gatherings where everyone can customize their taco toppings, creating a fun and interactive meal experience.
• Master Mexican Comfort Food: Learn an authentic technique for creating crispy tacos that bring traditional Mexican street food right to your kitchen, with simple steps anyone can follow.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum flavor, making it an excellent choice for home cooks wanting to impress without complex techniques.

Pantry List For Beef Noodle Casserole Night

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic noodle that offers a soft, comforting texture to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add a tangy richness and smooth consistency to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Ingredients that create a robust, savory base for the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out the dish's taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Optional garnishes that add a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

Directions For Classic Beef Noodle Casserole Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil egg noodles following the package directions.

Once done, drain and set them aside for layering.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat.

Break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring it turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 4: Create the Savory Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and get deliciously fragrant for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Blend the Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Build the Casserole Layers

• First layer: Half of the cooked noodles
• Second layer: Half of the meat sauce
• Third layer: Sour cream mixture

Repeat these layers one more time.

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese as your signal it’s ready.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter some fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Beef Noodle Casserole – Simple Kitchen Tricks That Work

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
• Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture and slightly different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles or replace with zucchini noodles.
• Enhance the dish's nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.

Switch Up Beef Noodle Casserole With Creative Options

• Spicy Southwest Beef Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mushroom Beef Comfort Bake: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions, incorporate cream of mushroom soup into the sour cream mixture for extra richness.
• Mediterranean Style Beef Pasta: Swap tomato sauce for marinara, add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano before baking.
• Lean Green Protein Casserole: Use ground turkey instead of beef, add spinach to the meat sauce, and replace cheddar with mozzarella for a lighter version.

Satisfying Pairings For Beef Noodle Casserole Dinners

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty beef noodle casserole as a complete meal with a side of crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors. The fresh greens provide a light contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or sports gatherings, cut into squares and serve on small plates. Guests can easily grab a portion while enjoying conversations and cheering for their favorite team.
• Weeknight Meal Makeover: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or glazed carrots for added nutrition. The colorful veggies complement the casserole's savory profile and create a well-rounded dinner plate that keeps everyone satisfied.

Keep Beef Noodle Casserole Delicious The Next Day

• Store leftover beef noodle casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in this casserole?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Use gluten-free noodles if needed, and swap cottage cheese with ricotta if preferred.

• How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?

Buy ground beef when it’s on sale, use store-brand cheese and canned tomato sauce, and check for discounts on noodles. These simple swaps can help reduce overall recipe cost.

• Is this casserole good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Prepare it in advance, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole combines comforting pasta with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and creamy cheese. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to family dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Boil egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess grease.
4. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate bowl, whisking until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
6. Grease a casserole dish and create strategic layers: spread half the cooked noodles, cover with half the meat sauce, then distribute the creamy cheese mixture.
7. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top layer, creating a golden, melty surface.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden crust.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Perfectly drain noodles to prevent soggy casserole texture by shaking colander and letting pasta air dry for a minute.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Customize the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and creates an even more delicious final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 447 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg