Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering beef noodle casserole that brings warmth to every bite.

Hearty ground beef mingles perfectly with tender egg noodles in a creamy, delectable sauce.

Layers of rich flavors create a symphony of comfort that reminds you of cozy family dinners.

This casserole stands as a classic crowd-pleaser that never disappoints hungry appetites.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delightful.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this irresistible recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

Dive into this delicious casserole and experience pure, comforting bliss on a plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Quick-cooking comfort staple that provides hearty texture and absorbs rich flavors perfectly; choose medium-width noodles for best casserole consistency.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Robust meat adds protein punch with sweet onions and zesty garlic creating deep, savory undertones; select lean ground beef for healthier option and fresh aromatics for maximum flavor complexity.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Italian Seasoning: Tangy tomato base creates luscious sauce while herbs deliver authentic Mediterranean warmth; opt for no-salt-added tomato products to control seasoning and choose fresh Italian herb blend for vibrant taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that awaken all ingredients' natural taste profiles; use freshly ground black pepper for more intense aroma.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Melty cheese provides creamy richness while bright parsley adds fresh, herbal notes; select sharp cheddar for bold flavor and crisp parsley with vivid green color.

• Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Healthy cooking fat and non-stick surface protector; choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and use spray for even pan coverage.

Tools to Prepare a Tasty Noodle Casserole

• Large pan: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Pot: Needed to boil egg noodles with salted water.
• Spatula: Crucial for breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked noodles.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping.
• Measuring spoons: Help season the dish accurately.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grated cheddar cheese.
• Cooking spray: Ensures the baking pan is non-stick.

Instructions for Beef Noodle Casserole

Cozy Beef Noodle Bake

• Oven Preparation Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty 400°F.
• Noodle Base Boil water and cook those delightful egg noodles until they're perfectly tender.
• Meaty Foundation Brown the ground beef in a sizzling pan, breaking it into delicious crumbly pieces.
• Flavor Builders Toss in aromatic onions and garlic, letting them dance with the beef until everything smells amazing.
• Sauce Magic Splash in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, sprinkling in herbal seasonings for that extra punch of flavor.
• Noodle Merger Combine the saucy beef mixture with your cooked noodles, creating a harmonious blend of goodness.
• Cheesy Crown Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and blanket it with a generous layer of shredded cheddar.
• Baking Finale Slide the dish into the oven and let the cheese melt into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.
• Final Touch Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve this comforting meal straight from the oven.

Flavor Boosts for Your Noodle Bake

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a nutritious vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or a dash of hot sauce to introduce a zesty kick and enhance the overall flavor complexity of the dish.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal planning strategies.

Serving a Hearty Beef Casserole at Dinner

• Comfort Food Companions: Crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Hearty Side Kick: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding delightful texture.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus as a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that adds vibrant green to the plate.
• Cool Contrast: Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to provide a creamy, cool element that complements the warm casserole.

Store Leftover Beef Noodle Casserole

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover casserole to airtight containers, keeping portions separate for easy reheating and quick meal planning.
• Refrigerator Freshness: Store beef noodle casserole in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety for future enjoyment.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe wrap or containers, allowing storage for up to 2 months without losing taste or texture quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to maintain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole melds rich flavors from tender ground beef and creamy sauce. Comfort meets convenience in this simple, satisfying midweek meal you can prepare quickly and enjoy with family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 grams) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 oz (340 grams) egg noodles, uncooked
• 16 oz (453 grams) canned tomato sauce
• 15 oz (425 grams) canned diced tomatoes, drained (petite cut preferred)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 2 tsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal environment for culinary transformation.
2. Noodle Preparation: Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until tender, following package instructions, then drain completely.
3. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbly texture while releasing rich flavors.
4. Aromatic Infusion: Incorporate onions and garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables soften and ingredients meld harmoniously.
5. Sauce Development: Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring to create a robust, flavorful mixture.
6. Combine Components: Gently fold cooked noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated with savory sauce.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a spray-coated 9″x13″ baking dish, spreading evenly and crowning with a generous layer of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake and Finish: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking 10-15 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and present immediately to waiting guests.

Notes

• Optimize Noodle Cooking: Slightly undercook noodles by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect texture in the final casserole.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from browned beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and maintain a light, clean flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become creamy, preventing immediate runny cheese.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack to add unexpected depth and personal flair to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg