Homestyle Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort comes alive in this hearty beef noodle casserole that promises a symphony of flavors.

Layers of tender meat and pasta create a delightful main course.

Childhood memories flood back with each creamy, savory bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying dish for its incredible versatility.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you slide this bubbling casserole from the oven.

Melted cheese blankets perfectly cooked noodles and seasoned beef in a way that feels like a warm embrace.

Savor every single forkful and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Families Always Request

• Quickly Satisfy Hunger: A hearty one-dish meal that fills stomachs fast with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, meaty combination that's familiar and comforting, making dinner time a breeze.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Affordable ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and pantry staples create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Simple Preparation Magic: Straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy casserole with minimal cooking skills needed.

Parts Of Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty base of the casserole, rich in protein and adds robust flavor.
• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that provides delicious texture and absorbs the sauce well.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential flavor builders that create a savory foundation for the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds Mediterranean-inspired taste and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Key seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that adds moisture and brightness.
• Sour Cream: Provides creamy richness and smooth texture to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a sharp, tangy flavor and golden topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

Beef Noodle Casserole Prep Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some comfort food magic.

Step 2: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles following package instructions until perfectly tender.

Drain and set them aside, ready for deliciousness.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Veggie Foundation

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown.

Drain any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.

Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Mix Creamy Noodle Layer

• Cooked noodles
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked noodles, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.

This creates a luxurious base for your casserole.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the creamy noodle mixture to a greased casserole dish.

Spread the beef sauce evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese for a golden, melty finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese turns into a beautiful golden blanket.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Beef Noodle Casserole Done With Pro Expertise

• Choose wide egg noodles for the best texture and ability to hold sauce effectively.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.
• Add red pepper flakes or extra Italian seasoning for more depth and personalized taste.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option and create a lighter meal variation.

Save and Warm Up Beef Noodle Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

Pasta Picks for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Elevate Beef Noodle Casserole Pairings
• Crisp Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese with its balanced acidity.
• Hearty Side Salad: Prepare a zesty mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette, featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to add freshness and balance the casserole's richness.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Craft a simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil, providing a slightly charred, nutritious counterpoint to the creamy pasta dish.
• Craft Beer Pairing: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that will harmonize with the beef's savory profile and enhance the overall comfort food experience.

Beef Noodle Casserole Unique Recipe Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free tomato sauce and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Keep the cheese and seasonings the same for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese shreds. Select a non-dairy cheese that melts well for best results.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Prepare 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 more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture to boost nutrition and add more texture and flavor.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem. Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to achieve a similar herb blend.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining savory ground beef with creamy cheese and tender egg noodles. Familiar flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies with pure home-style deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a preheated oven at 350°F for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they’re al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking apart and browning thoroughly, then carefully eliminate excess rendered fat.
5. Enrich the meat mixture with tangy tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, aromatic Italian seasoning, and carefully balanced salt and pepper, allowing flavors to meld during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
6. Create a creamy noodle base by blending cooked egg noodles with rich sour cream and half of the sharp cheddar cheese in a generous mixing bowl.
7. Transfer the luxurious noodle blend into a generously greased casserole dish, strategically layering the robust beef mixture atop the noodles.
8. Scatter remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melted cheesy goodness.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble enthusiastically and cheese transforms into a golden, molten blanket.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Reduce fat content by choosing lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles or replacing noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Create a vegetarian version by swapping ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils for added protein and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg