Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s the kind of hearty, oven-baked meal that brings people together, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- One-dish comfort food that’s filling and satisfying
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- Great for leftovers — reheats beautifully
- Customizable — switch up sauces, cheeses, or add vegetables
- Freezer-friendly for future meals
- Ready in under an hour
- Balanced with protein, carbs, and dairy
- Crowd-pleasing — perfect for potlucks or gatherings
- Classic American comfort food
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter
Directions
- Cook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Combine with noodles: In a large bowl, mix the beef mixture with the cooked noodles and sour cream.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour half of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Different Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and sausage.
- Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Creamier Version: Mix in cream cheese with the sour cream for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
FAQs
Can I make Beef Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of noodles works best?
Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like rotini or penne will work.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze it unbaked or fully cooked for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a substitute.
How can I make it healthier?
Use lean ground beef or turkey and add vegetables to the sauce.
Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
No, feel free to use any melty cheese you like — mozzarella, provolone, or a blend.
Can I make it in a smaller pan?
Yes, cut the recipe in half and use an 8×8-inch baking dish.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Slightly undercook the noodles before baking, as they’ll soften more in the oven.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread are great accompaniments.
Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead?
Yes, substitute tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with your favorite marinara.
Conclusion
Beef Noodle Casserole is the kind of warm, satisfying dish that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or reheating for a quick lunch, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite.
Print
Beef Noodle Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting beef noodle casserole made with ground beef, egg noodles, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in sour cream.
- Combine cooked noodles with the beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Top with chopped parsley for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg