If you’re looking for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and rich flavors to your dinner table, this Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is an absolute gem. It combines tender egg noodles with savory ground beef, all lovingly mixed into a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Every bite offers a cozy, satisfying blend of textures and tastes that feels like a big, delicious hug — making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a dinner that feels both special and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet powerful, each contributing essential flavor, texture, or color to make this casserole irresistibly delicious. Together, they create a creamy, savory masterpiece that’s easier to prepare than it sounds.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The perfect tender base to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors throughout the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spice to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect herby note that complements tomato and beef.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Brings a slight tang and fresh color.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup: Creates a creamy, tomatoey sauce with ease.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a gentle tang.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: The star of the show — melting into gooey, flavorful layers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the aromatics and browns the beef without sticking.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Gives a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens each serving.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This means they should be tender but still have a slight bite—perfect for soaking up all the casserole flavors without turning mushy. Once done, drain them and set them aside while you work on the beef mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Beef
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about three minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for your casserole. Next, add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your casserole stays rich without being greasy.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce
To the browned beef, add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine and release those warm herb notes. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and condensed tomato soup, then bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it meld for around five minutes. This simmering helps the flavors to develop fully before you add the creamy ingredients.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the sour cream along with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This blend creates a gorgeous creamy texture that coats the beef and tomatoes, making the entire dish luscious. Mixing in the first portion of cheese here ensures it melts evenly throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture
Now it’s time to bring your components together. Stir the cooked egg noodles into the beef and sauce mixture until every noodle is richly coated and ready for baking. This combination will become the base of your Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe, packed with comfort and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, promising a golden, melty crust once it’s baked. Pop the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown. Let your casserole rest for at least five minutes before serving to settle the flavors and make it easier to slice.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors. If you like a bit of spice, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top can add an exciting kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a filling main on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. A side of crusty garlic bread also complements the creamy, tomatoey nature of this dish perfectly, offering a satisfyingly crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and broiled just until bubbly and golden. You can also layer the casserole into a more elegant trifle dish with alternating layers of cheese and fresh herbs for visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftover Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This dish holds together beautifully even after a couple of days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole later, it freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion or the entire casserole, warm it covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly again. Adding a touch of extra shredded cheese on top before reheating will bring back a fresh, melted topping.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and keeps the savory flavor. Just be sure to season it well, and it might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Frozen peas, chopped mushrooms, or bell peppers can be stirred into the beef mixture before combining with noodles. They add nutrition, color, and a fresh bite without compromising the original creamy flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cheddar cheese is classic here, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey, cheesy texture.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire casserole in the baking dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids. You can adjust seasonings to be milder if your little ones prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that comforts the soul and pleases the palate. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night. Trust me, once you try it, this cheesy, hearty casserole will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy dinners that never disappoint.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main course featuring tender egg noodles combined with a savory ground beef mixture, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with golden cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners and is customizable with added veggies or lean protein substitutions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the drained diced tomatoes and condensed tomato soup, then bring the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined and creamy.
- Combine with Noodles: Mix the cooked noodles into the beef mixture thoroughly, ensuring even coating.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner protein option, substitute ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Add frozen peas or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for an easy meal the next day.
