Get ready to rediscover your favorite childhood dinner! This Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole is the definition of comfort food simple, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with rich, savory flavors. It’s a perfect family dinner that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight.
This casserole combines tender egg noodles with a hearty, flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce, all baked under a thick, golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, and deeply comforting. The base is an Italian-inspired tomato and seasoned beef sauce, balanced by the sweetness of the onion and the pungent pop of garlic.
- Texture: Creamy, tender, and chewy. You get soft egg noodles, crumbled seasoned beef, and the stretchy, gooey texture of melted cheddar cheese on top.
- Time Commitment: Requires about 25–30 minutes of active cooking and prep time (browning beef and cooking noodles), followed by a quick 10–15 minutes in the oven for melting the cheese.
- Difficulty Level: Easy. This is a very straightforward, one-pan (plus a pot for noodles) meal that is perfect for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is built around classic pantry staples, ensuring a cost-effective and delicious meal. The main components include hearty egg noodles as the base, lean ground beef cooked down with aromatic onion and garlic, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. The final, crucial component is a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese for that iconic melted topping.
Ingredient Notes
- Lean Ground Beef – Using 90% lean ground beef is ideal for this casserole. It minimizes the amount of grease you need to drain off, keeping the sauce richer and less oily.
- Egg Noodles – Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this casserole format. They are tender and chewy, and their shape holds the thick beef and tomato sauce beautifully.
- Canned Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes – The combination of thick tomato sauce and drained, petite-cut diced tomatoes creates a sauce that has both a rich, saucy body and small, discernible chunks of tomato.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend of dried herbs (typically oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) provides all the necessary Mediterranean flavor notes in one simple measure.
- Cheddar Cheese – Use a sharp or medium cheddar. Shredding it yourself is always recommended for the best melt, but pre-shredded works well, too.
Add-ins and Substitutions
This casserole is a great canvas for simple customizations:
- Vegetable Boost: Sauté 1 diced bell pepper or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onion and garlic for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice Level: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the Italian seasoning for a subtle touch of heat.
- Cheese Variation: For a tangier flavor, mix 1 cup of cream cheese or cottage cheese into the sauce mixture before baking. You can also substitute the cheddar topping with Monterey Jack or an Italian blend.
- Meat Swap: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to the ground beef.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
This recipe involves concurrent cooking, allowing you to get dinner on the table quickly.
Cook the Noodles and Preheat
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions. While the noodles are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Build the Beef Sauce
While the noodles are boiling, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes, using a spatula to break the meat up into small crumbles.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onion has softened and the beef is completely cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Drain the beef completely before adding the sauce. Excess grease can make the final casserole oily and prevent the tomato sauce from coating the noodles properly, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor.
Combine and Bake
Add the canned tomato sauce, the drained diced tomatoes, and the Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is combined and the sauce is bubbling lightly.
Drain the cooked egg noodles completely and add them directly to the large pan with the beef and sauce. Toss the entire mixture well until the noodles are fully coated.
Pour the beef and noodle mixture into a 9″x13″ baking pan that has been generously coated in cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly. Top the casserole generously with the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes, or just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Sprinkle the finished casserole with the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Salt the Water: Always salt the water when boiling the egg noodles. This is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself, which is crucial for the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Keep Noodles Firm: Since the noodles will absorb liquid while baking, cook them until they are slightly firmer than you would eat them normally. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the finished dish.
- Use Cooking Spray: Ensure you thoroughly coat the 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the baked noodles from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup much easier.
- Fresh Parsley Finish: Don’t skip the fresh chopped parsley at the end. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, bright flavor that lifts the heavy casserole.
FAQs
Q: Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes. You can fully assemble the beef and noodle mixture and place it in the baking dish without the cheese topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake for an extra 5–10 minutes since it will be chilled.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions easily in the microwave.
Q: Can I use different noodles? A: While egg noodles provide the classic texture, you can substitute them with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti. Just follow the same cooking instructions and toss with the beef sauce.
Q: Why do you suggest petite diced tomatoes? A: Petite diced (small cut) tomatoes integrate better into the sauce, providing texture without having large, chunky pieces of tomato, which keeps the sauce flowing nicely through the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness.
- A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic knots or crusty French bread for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Steamed or sautéed green beans with a hint of lemon.
- A side of lightly roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the entire casserole base ahead of time for easy weeknight assembly. Cook the noodles and beef sauce as directed, combine them, and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Do not add the cheese. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, sprinkle with cheese and bake until hot and melted.
Print
Easy Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole (Weeknight Comfort Food)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This easy Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, combining tender egg noodles with a savory, Italian-seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted, bubbly cheddar cheese, this family-friendly dish is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Get dinner on the table in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (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, drained (petite cut preferred)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Noodles and Preheat Oven
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions, ensuring they are slightly firmer than normal (al dente). While the noodles are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F and generously coat a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Build the Beef Sauce
Heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking the meat up into small crumbles. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the onion softens and the beef is completely cooked through. Drain off any excess grease, then season the beef mixture with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer and Combine
Add the canned tomato sauce, the drained diced tomatoes, and the Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir well and let the sauce bubble lightly. Drain the cooked egg noodles completely and add them directly to the large pan with the beef and sauce. Toss the entire mixture well until the noodles are fully coated.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the prepared 9″x13″ baking pan and spread evenly. Top the casserole generously with the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes, or just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Sprinkle the finished casserole with the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Assembly: You can assemble the entire casserole (noodles, beef sauce) ahead of time. Place it in the prepared baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking, and allow an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven since it will be chilled.
Prevent Sticking: Ensure you generously coat the baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the baked noodles from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup much easier.
Cheese Variation: For an added layer of creaminess and tang, mix 1 cup of cream cheese or cottage cheese into the sauce mixture right before adding the noodles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesy beef noodle casserole, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef casserole, egg noodle recipe, baked pasta
