Oh my goodness, let me share with you my warm and comforting Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole recipe! This dish has become a go-to in our home, especially during those busy weeknights when dinner needs to be hearty but simple. There’s just something about pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese all baked together that makes it feel like a big warm hug, doesn’t it? My husband and I can’t get enough of it, and our cat even gives the kitchen a curious look whenever I pull this one out!
The flavors in this casserole are so rich and inviting. Picture soft noodles gently wrapped in a savory beef mixture, topped with melted cheese bubbling away in the oven. The smell that fills the house while it bakes is downright irresistible! It’s definitely a family-friendly recipe, perfect for satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it only takes about an hour from start to finish, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your evening! If you love casseroles as much as we do, you might want to check out my creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole—it’s another favorite around here!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding the whole family
- Rich cheese topping that’s gooey and irresistible
- Packed with flavor from Italian seasoning and juicy tomatoes
- Quick one-pan prep with minimal cleanup
- Comfort food that’s easy to prepare any night of the week
- Flexible recipe: Add your favorite veggies or swap the meat for turkey!
- Leftovers taste fantastic and make for easy lunches
This casserole brings together all the deliciousness of a classic pasta dish with the ease of a bake, making it a go-to weeknight meal!
How to Make Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
This cheesy beef noodle casserole is like a warm hug in a dish! It’s hearty, comforting, and comes together so easily—making it a perfect choice for family dinners or a cozy gathering with friends.
What You’ll Need:
- Egg noodles – 12 oz. I suggest using wide egg noodles as they hold the sauce beautifully!
- Ground beef – 1 lb. I like 80/20 beef for its balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Onion – 1 medium, diced. Sweet onion works well for a milder flavor.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference so don’t skip it!
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz). Go for a brand like Hunt’s for a nice, rich flavor.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), drained. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a lovely depth!
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp. A mix of herbs that bring all the Italian vibes.
- Salt and black pepper – 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Just enough to boost the flavors!
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups. I love using sharp cheddar for that extra cheesy punch.
- Sour cream – 1 cup. This adds creaminess and a nice tang!
- Milk – 1/2 cup. Whole milk will make it extra creamy!
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish. Adds a fresh finish!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. It’s okay if they’re a little undercooked; they’ll soften up in the oven!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain it off.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors.
- In a big bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, beef mixture, sour cream, and milk. Stir everything together until the noodles are well coated.
- Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for even baking.
- Sprinkle those two cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Because, really, who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to turn golden.
- Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color!
Serve it up and get ready for compliments! This cheesy beef noodle casserole will definitely be a hit at your table! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give the casserole a lighter flavor. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey is milder than beef. Cook it the same way as instructed, and you’ll have a delicious dish!
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Simply replace the beef with 1-1.5 cups of your favorite vegetables and make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender before mixing with the other ingredients.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
