Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Craving a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together? Beef Noodle Casserole is the answer! This classic comfort dish features tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It's the perfect option for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into this delicious, satisfying recipe!

What Is Beef Noodle Casserole?

Beef Noodle Casserole is a traditional, hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef with egg noodles, a flavorful tomato or marinara sauce, and lots of melted cheese. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It's easy to customize with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings, and it’s a fantastic way to stretch simple ingredients into a full, satisfying dinner for the whole family.

Ingredients List for Beef Noodle Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic Beef Noodle Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef – Provides the savory base for the casserole.
• 8 oz egg noodles – These wide, curly noodles are traditional, but any pasta will work.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the casserole.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the depth of flavor.
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – You can also use marinara or spaghetti sauce for more flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds texture and a little acidity.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds Italian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the garlicky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds additional savory depth.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a deliciously melty, cheesy topping.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella adds gooeyness and helps bind the casserole.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Beef Noodle Casserole is highly adaptable. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

• Meat Alternatives: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-packed version.
• Cheese Variations: Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a kick. You can also add Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
• Tomato Alternatives: Use marinara or store-bought pasta sauce for extra flavor, or add tomato paste for a richer sauce.
• Creamy Twist: For a creamier version, mix in cream cheese or ricotta with the sour cream.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Beef Noodle Casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

4. Add Garlic and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Combine with Noodles and Sour Cream

In a large bowl, mix the cooked egg noodles with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir in the sour cream to add creaminess and richness to the dish.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Cook Beef Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles until al dente and set them aside.
3. Brown the ground beef with onions, then drain excess grease.
4. Add garlic, seasonings, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the beef and simmer.
5. Stir in the sour cream and combine with the cooked noodles.
6. Assemble the casserole by layering the noodle mixture and topping with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Beef Noodle Casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the noodles until al dente. Overcooked noodles can become too soft and mushy once baked in the casserole.
• Not Draining the Beef: Drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid making the casserole too greasy.
• Not Adding Enough Seasoning: Season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring out the full flavor of the dish.
• Skipping the Sour Cream: The sour cream adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip it, or substitute with Greek yogurt if you want a healthier option.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef Noodle Casserole is hearty and comforting, but you can elevate the meal with a few simple sides and serving tips:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole and adds freshness to the meal.
• Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Serve the casserole with roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.

How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole

While this casserole is satisfying on its own, here are a few sides and accompaniments to make the meal even better:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the savory sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus make great sides.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve with mashed potatoes.
• Pickles: Tangy dill pickles or pickled vegetables offer a nice contrast to the rich casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole

Want to make your Beef Noodle Casserole look as good as it tastes? Try these presentation ideas:

• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley, basil, or chives to add a pop of color.
• Serve in a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a large cast-iron skillet, assemble and bake the casserole directly in it for a rustic, one-pan presentation.
• Individual Servings: For a dinner party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for personal portions.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming from the fridge.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked beef, steak, or roast beef, you can use it instead of ground beef.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are all great substitutes.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Q: Can I freeze Beef Noodle Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

The Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, savory beef, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!

Print