Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? This Beef Noodle Casserole is the perfect answer! Combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, a savory tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Stick around to learn how to make this classic dish step-by-step!
What is Beef Noodle Casserole?
Beef Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort dish that blends ground beef, egg noodles, a tomato-based or creamy sauce, and lots of melted cheese. It's similar to an American-style lasagna but easier to make and faster to prepare. This casserole is a delicious and filling meal, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or simply meal prepping for the week. The layers of noodles, beef, and cheese create a rich and savory flavor that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients List for Beef Noodle Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Beef Noodle Casserole:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (85% lean is ideal for flavor)
- Egg Noodles: 12 ounces (wide or medium-sized)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups (or one 15-ounce can)
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (divided)
- Beef Broth: ½ cup
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the onion)
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a savory, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Ground Beef: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute them with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but feel free to mix things up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, or use low-fat versions of both cream cheese and sour cream.
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables to the dish by mixing in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the beef for a more nutritious meal.
- Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Tomato Sauce: If you prefer a creamier base, you can swap out the tomato sauce for a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Beef Noodle Casserole is quick and easy. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof dish every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the Noodles: Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Push the beef to the side of the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef mixture from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Noodles and Beef: Spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the creamy cheese mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese mixture.
- Add Cheese on Top: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
- Let it Rest: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Beef Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick summary of how to make this Beef Noodle Casserole:
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles until al dente.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, and tomato sauce.
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer: Stir together sour cream and cream cheese for a creamy base.
- Layer the Casserole: Layer noodles, beef mixture, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover and bake, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the egg noodles. They will continue cooking in the oven, so undercook them slightly to avoid mushy noodles.
- Not Draining the Beef: Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
- Skipping the Simmering Step: Allow the beef mixture to simmer with the tomato sauce and seasonings. This enhances the flavor and makes the casserole more flavorful.
- Not Letting It Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and keep the casserole from falling apart when sliced.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole:
- Portions: Slice the casserole into squares or spoon it out for individual servings.
- Side Dishes: Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole:
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan over the top for a touch of color and flavor.
- Serving Dish: Serve in a rustic or decorative casserole dish for a more elevated presentation at family gatherings or potlucks.
Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, feel free to add extra cheese between the layers or mix a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for more flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Can I freeze Beef Noodle Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, and they both taste delicious in this recipe.
Conclusion
Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying potluck dish, this casserole fits the bill. With tender noodles, savory beef, and a creamy, cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious! So, gather your ingredients and start cooking this comforting classic!
PrintBeef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Beef Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food featuring ground beef, tender egg noodles, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is ideal for weeknight meals or feeding a crowd, combining savory beef and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
- This casserole freezes well and can be reheated for an easy weeknight meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
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