Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Family-Favorite Comfort

Whipping up a hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Cheesy layers meld with tender meat and soft pasta for a satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you combine simple ingredients with love.

Rich flavors dance through each bite, promising warmth and nostalgia.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this creamy, budget-friendly dish that feels like a warm hug.

Hearty and filling, this casserole turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

You cannot wait to dig into this irresistible comfort food masterpiece.

What Makes Beef Noodle Casserole a Comfort Food

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: A hearty one-dish meal packed with protein and comforting flavors that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-friendly recipe with familiar ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and cheese that appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single baking dish preparation means less washing up and more time enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal with loved ones.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious dinner solution that can be prepped and baked in under an hour.

Ingredients for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef: The protein-rich center of the dish that adds robust flavor and substance.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty topping that creates a golden, crispy cheese layer.

• Tomato Sauce: A tangy base that adds moisture and depth to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy ingredients that contribute richness and smooth texture to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the beef mixture.
• Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles following the package directions. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain off any excess fat.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

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

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

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

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread evenly and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Tips for Beef Noodle Casserole Success

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Enhance flavor by using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced, which adds more depth to the dish.
• Swap regular egg noodles with whole wheat noodles for added nutrition and a heartier texture.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free noodles and checking that cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps develop richer flavors and makes meal prep easier.

Variations for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Veggie Lover's Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and check that cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to make this casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, comforting essence of the original dish.

Serving Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Family Comfort Platter: Transform this hearty casserole into a cozy family dinner centerpiece, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table for a warm, satisfying meal.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to neighborhood gatherings or potlucks, where its cheesy, creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Prepare this casserole in advance and pop it in the oven after a long day, creating a delicious dinner that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Leftover Lunch Champion: Pack cold or reheat individual portions for a delightful next-day lunch that tastes just as good as the night before, making meal prep a breeze.

Storage Advice 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 the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Defrost frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or medium shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta, and choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Consider mixing in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans during the beef mixture step. You can also add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Best Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort to family dinners with rich, savory layers of ground beef, noodles, and creamy sauce. Cheesy goodness and simple ingredients make this classic dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.

---

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 Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces/280 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Seasoning and Aromatics:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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, thoroughly drain, and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, then gently sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, cooking until completely browned and crumbly. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
5. Incorporate tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked noodles, seasoned beef, tangy sour cream, and creamy mushroom soup until well integrated.
7. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by mixing different varieties like mozzarella and monterey jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains protein content.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the beef cooking stage for extra vitamins and texture.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg