Beef Noodle Casserole

Looking for a cozy, family-approved dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Beef Noodle Casserole is the answer. Made with lean ground beef, tender egg noodles, savory tomato sauce, and topped with melty cheddar cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or preparing a make-ahead weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers both simplicity and taste.

Ingredients

To make this delicious and hearty dish, you’ll need:
12 ounces egg noodles (uncooked)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (petite cut preferred)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
2. While the noodles are boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and the beef is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
6. Drain the cooked noodles and stir them into the beef mixture.
7. Coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray, then pour the beef and noodle mixture into the pan.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Serve the beef noodle casserole hot, straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added freshness and depth.
• For potlucks or gatherings, keep the casserole warm in an insulated carrier or slow cooker on the “warm” setting.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through. You can also bake directly from frozen; just cover with foil and extend the bake time by 20–30 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Meal Prep: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Variations

This classic Beef Noodle Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are several delicious ways to switch it up to suit your taste preferences or make use of what you have on hand:

1. Cheesy Deluxe Beef Noodle Casserole
Add a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan along with the cheddar. This boosts the creaminess and gives a rich, gooey texture that cheese lovers will adore.

2. Spicy Tex-Mex Version
Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and add a small can of green chilies or jalapeños. Mix in black beans and corn for extra texture and flavor. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy finish.

3. Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole
Add 1/2 cup of sour cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture for a creamy, rich base. This variation is extra comforting and ideal for colder weather.

4. Hidden Veggie Casserole
Sneak in finely chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté the veggies with the onion and garlic before adding the tomato sauce to blend them seamlessly into the casserole.

5. BBQ Beef Noodle Bake
Replace tomato sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce or do a 50/50 mix of BBQ and tomato sauce. This adds a smoky-sweet flavor that’s great for a casual dinner or cookout side dish.

6. Italian Sausage Casserole
Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage (mild or spicy) to give the dish a bold, savory flavor. This pairs especially well with a sprinkle of mozzarella and fresh basil on top.

7. Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Version
Skip the egg noodles and use spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash. Use full-fat cheese and avoid any added sugars in the tomato products to keep it low-carb.

8. Bacon Cheeseburger Twist
Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon and swap cheddar for American cheese slices or a cheddar blend. Add a squirt of yellow mustard and ketchup to the beef mixture for a burger-inspired flavor.

9. Greek-Inspired Beef Casserole
Use oregano, cinnamon, and nutmeg instead of Italian seasoning, then add a handful of crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.

10. Make-Ahead Freezer Casserole
Double the recipe and make one for now and one for later. Assemble both in disposable pans. Freeze one before baking, tightly covered, and pull it out for a no-stress dinner on a busy day.

FAQs

1. Can I make beef noodle casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

2. What type of noodles works best in this recipe?
Egg noodles are classic, but you can also use rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become too soft when baked.

3. Can I freeze beef noodle casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes.

5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are both excellent substitutes and will still pair well with the tomato sauce and cheese.

6. What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend for more creaminess and richness.

7. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Cook them along with the onions and garlic for the best texture and flavor.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and ensuring all canned ingredients (like tomato sauce) are certified gluten-free.

9. Can I add a crunchy topping?
Definitely. Crushed buttery crackers, French-fried onions, or seasoned breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before baking can add a nice crunch.

10. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal with leftovers for the next day.

This Beef Noodle Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—easy to prepare, budget-friendly, filling, and incredibly tasty. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just satisfying your craving for something hearty and homemade. Give this recipe a try and it may just become a new family favorite.