Hearty Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Beef noodle casserole combines hearty comfort with simple, satisfying ingredients that promise a delightful meal.

Layers of tender pasta and rich meat create a mouthwatering experience for anyone seeking a classic dinner solution.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this straightforward recipe that requires minimal preparation.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one welcoming dish.

Creamy textures and savory flavors blend seamlessly, making each bite feel like a warm embrace.

Pantry staples transform into something spectacular without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Invite your loved ones to the table and watch their faces light up with anticipation of this crowd-pleasing feast.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef, offering a lighter protein option while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and whole wheat egg noodles to lower the calorie and fat content while keeping the delicious taste.

• What side dishes complement this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli pair perfectly with this hearty beef noodle casserole, adding nutrition and balance to the meal.

What Makes Beef Noodle Casserole So Delicious

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish that delivers classic flavors in every single bite, perfect for those craving a warm and filling meal.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all experience levels, ensuring success even for beginners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Dinner: Combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and cheese that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and minimal prep work, allowing you to transform everyday ingredients into a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients That Make Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole's savory flavor.
• Egg Noodles: Soft and tender pasta that provides the perfect foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that creates a delicious melted topping.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients blend together to create a rich and smooth layer in the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and complexity to the beef mixture.
• Tomato Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Seasonings that bring robust and traditional flavor to the beef mixture.

How to Bake Beef Noodle Casserole Stepwise

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Boil Noodle Magic

Cook those egg noodles following the package directions, then drain and set them aside – they’ll be the foundation of your delicious casserole.

Step 3: Brown The Meaty Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and looks irresistibly appetizing.

Step 4: Simmer With Flavor

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

Let everything simmer and mingle for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

In a mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese until you achieve a silky smooth consistency that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Layer Your Casserole

• Cooked noodles
• Beef mixture
• Creamy cheese blend

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns molten and bubbly, creating an irresistible golden surface.

Ways to Maximize Flavor in Beef Noodle Casserole

• Choose wide egg noodles for better texture and easier scooping in the casserole.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and watery consistency in the dish.
• Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for richer, creamier flavor and smoother sauce.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top after baking for extra brightness and color.
• For gluten-free version, replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

Flavor Additions That Pair Well With Beef Noodle Casserole

• Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles or replace with zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra zesty flavor profile.

Side Dishes That Enhance Beef Noodle Casserole

• Family Movie Night Feast: Serve this hearty casserole during weekend movie marathons with family. Kids and adults will love diving into this comforting dish while watching their favorite films together.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to neighborhood gatherings or church potlucks. Its cheesy layers and rich beef flavor will make you the star of the community meal.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Prepare this quick and satisfying meal when time is short. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it perfect for busy parents needing a delicious dinner solution in under an hour.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide the casserole into individual portions for quick lunch or dinner during the week. Refrigerate or freeze sections for grab-and-go meals that taste just as good reheated.

Storing Beef Noodle Casserole to Keep It Fresh

• 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 up to 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 2-3 months, which helps preserve the meal for later enjoyment.
• Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and ensuring even heating throughout the dish.

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole delivers comfort through layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese. Creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping complete this satisfying midwestern classic that home cooks appreciate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Noodles and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) sour cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook egg noodles following package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until meat is fully cooked.
4. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; let the mixture simmer for 7-8 minutes to develop rich flavors.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk sour cream and cream cheese until completely smooth and well incorporated.
6. Grease a casserole dish and create layers starting with cooked noodles as the base, followed by the seasoned beef mixture, then spread the creamy cheese blend evenly across the top.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole surface to create a golden, melty topping.
8. Place uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes fully melted and develops a slightly crispy, bubbly texture.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap regular egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld together more intensely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg