If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that brings together tender noodles, rich beef, and a mouthwatering cheese blend, this Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is everything you need. It’s a cozy, homestyle dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate. Packed with hearty ground beef simmered in a zesty tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings. It’s satisfying, straightforward to make, and just the right mix of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe shines with simple ingredients that are pantry staples yet essential for building layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part—from the juicy seasoned beef to the creamy blend of cheeses and tangy tomato base.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for browning the beef.
- Ground beef: The meaty foundation that brings hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
- Small onion (diced): Introduces sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Provides that aromatic punch to elevate the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that complements the tomato and beef perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify all the flavors.
- Tomato sauce: Forms a luscious and tangy base for the meat sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and fresh tomato brightness.
- Egg noodles (uncooked): The tender pasta that soaks up all those rich flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: Gives creaminess and a slight tang that balances the savory meat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty cheesiness throughout the casserole.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy texture on top for that irresistible finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up the final dish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef and soften the onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion together. Cook them until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is essential because it builds the base flavor—those caramelized bits are going to bring serious depth to your casserole.
Step 2: Build the savory sauce
Next, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for a minute until the garlic is fragrant, then pour in the tomato sauce and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors beautifully and thickens the sauce just a bit for hearty coverage over those noodles.
Step 3: Cook the egg noodles
While your sauce is gently bubbling, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water just until they reach al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy once baked, giving your casserole wonderful texture. Drain and set them aside so they’re ready to mix in.
Step 4: Combine noodles, sauce, and creamy cheese
In a big mixing bowl, toss the cooked noodles with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. The sour cream adds a lovely creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the flavor. Then pour in your meat sauce, folding everything together gently but thoroughly. This ensures each noodle is coated with the delicious cheesy meatiness we all crave.
Step 5: Bake to cheesy perfection
Spread the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top and finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella for gooey, melty goodness. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and gorgeous golden brown around the edges.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley just before serving introduces a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that balances the richness of the casserole beautifully. It’s an effortless touch that makes your dish visually inviting and adds a subtle flavor lift.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. A fresh green salad tossed with light vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted seasonal vegetables provides a refreshing contrast in texture and keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive approach, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. Alternatively, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the noodle mixture before baking to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavor. Your Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe can be as classic or as customized as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Place cooled, unbaked casserole into a freezer-safe dish or cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Adding a splash of milk or extra cheese on top before reheating can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and hold the sauce beautifully, you can swap in other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni, just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they remain tender but firm.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning as needed to keep that rich, hearty flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and tang. Just be mindful that yogurt may make the dish slightly lighter in taste.
How do I make the casserole less rich?
To lighten things up, try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for reduced-fat cheeses and sour cream. Adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini is a tasty way to bulk up the dish without extra heaviness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those comfort foods you’ll want to keep in your rotation for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike. It combines simple ingredients into a luscious dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture—guaranteed to please the whole family. Give it a try and enjoy that delicious homemade warmth that this casserole so effortlessly delivers!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a hearty and comforting American classic perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Ground beef is simmered with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning before being mixed with tender egg noodles, creamy sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles in a pot of salted boiling water until they are just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the meat sauce and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the noodle and meat mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the mixture for extra vegetables.
