Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Noodle Casserole

6 servings
This beef noodle casserole is ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, tossed with egg noodles then topped with plenty of cheese and baked to perfection. An easy comfort food dinner that's perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces egg noodles

    uncooked

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef

    I use 90% lean

  • 1 onion

    finely chopped

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 ounces canned tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes variety)

    drained, I prefer to use the small diced (petite cut

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • cooking spray

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. 2

    While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.

  3. 3

    Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.

  4. 4

    Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until onion has softened and beef is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. 5

    Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the beef and stir to combine.

  6. 6

    Drain the noodles and add to the pan with the beef; toss to combine.

  7. 7

    Pour the beef and noodle mixture into a 9"x13" baking pan that's been coated in cooking spray. Top with cheddar cheese.

  8. 8

    Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Noodle Casserole

5.0(233)40 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table? This Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavors and cozy warmth without any fuss, perfect for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd.

Why This Casserole Works

This Beef Noodle Casserole delivers on all fronts, combining savory lean ground beef in a rich, deeply flavored tomato sauce with tender egg noodles, all blanketed under a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, straightforward recipe that takes classic, beloved flavors and bakes them into one cohesive, comforting dish. The combination of simple ingredients yields complex satisfaction, making it a reliable family favorite.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly comforting experience. You'll enjoy a casserole that’s robustly flavored, with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce that clings perfectly to the soft, wide egg noodles. Each forkful offers a delightful mix of textures—tender noodles, meaty sauce, and gooey, melted cheddar cheese that creates a golden-brown crust on top. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish, with the sweetness of the tomato sauce complemented by the richness of the beef and cheese, making every bite satisfying and familiar. This casserole is designed for pure, unadulterated comfort.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand or your family's preferences. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the cheddar cheese for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. If you're looking to sneak in more vegetables, feel free to add a handful of frozen peas or corn to the beef mixture during the last few minutes of simmering, or stir in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. You could also experiment with ground turkey or pork in place of the lean ground beef for a lighter alternative.

Serving & Context

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a fantastic centerpiece for any casual family dinner or a potluck gathering. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. It’s a dish that truly shines when shared, embodying warmth and homestyle goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions