If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender noodles with savory ground beef and a luscious tomato sauce, this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the wonderful harmony of flavors and textures, from the tender egg noodles to the rich, spiced beef and the golden melted cheddar topping. It’s a classic made incredibly easy but always impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a white frying pan filled with a thick, chunky meat sauce. The sauce has two visible layers; the bottom layer is a rich, deep red tomato base with a slightly glossy texture, and the top layer consists of small pieces of browned ground meat mixed with translucent, soft onion chunks evenly spread throughout. The sauce looks well-cooked and hearty. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and a striped dark blue and white cloth is placed in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, using simple yet essential ingredients that each add their own magic—whether it’s the boldness from the garlic, the richness from lean ground beef, or the gooey delight of cheddar cheese on top.

12 ounces egg noodles: Provides the perfect tender base with a slightly chewy texture that holds up well in the casserole.
2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté onions, adding a subtle fruity note.
1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean): Offers rich flavor without too much grease, keeping the dish balanced.
1 onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Brings savory warmth that brightens the whole casserole.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
16 ounces canned tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy base that coats the noodles and beef perfectly.
15 ounce can diced tomatoes (drained, petite cut preferred): Adds fresh, bite-sized chunks for texture and bursts of juicy flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that gives the dish a cozy Mediterranean flair.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey blanket that’s utterly irresistible.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
Cooking spray: To keep the baking dish non-stick for easy serving and clean-up.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes until tender but still a bit firm to the bite (al dente). This ensures they won’t get mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the noodles are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the lean ground beef and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. You want it nicely browned but not fully dry—this develops a deep, savory flavor that’s the heart of the casserole.

Step 3: Saute Onion and Garlic

Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pan with the beef. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes or until the onions soften and the beef is thoroughly cooked. The aromatic garlic and sweet onion soften the edges of the beef’s richness, creating a balanced, comforting taste.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat all the ingredients in the fragrant, tomatoey sauce. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste at this stage, since it enhances every layer of flavor ready for baking.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture

Add the drained egg noodles directly to the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce. Toss everything together carefully, making sure each noodle is generously coated. This step is crucial because it ensures that every forkful is bursting with meaty, saucy goodness before it hits the oven.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the beef and noodle mixture evenly into the dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts fully and gets that delicious golden hue. The bubbly cheese crust really makes this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe shine!

How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a pasta bake dish. The dish contains two visible layers: the bottom layer has egg noodles that are pale yellow with a slight shine, while the top layer features ground meat cooked with tomato sauce, giving it a rich brown and red mixed color. The meat and noodles are mixed evenly, creating a textured surface with twisted noodles and small meat chunks scattered throughout. The baking dish is placed on a soft gray cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, adding fresh chopped parsley over the melted cheese not only brightens the presentation but adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness delightfully. A light sprinkle of extra black pepper or even red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick too.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty main on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides add freshness and a textural counterpoint, balancing the richness of the cheesy noodle bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve it straight out of the baking dish with a big spoon for everyone to help themselves. If you want to dress it up a bit, scoop individual portions into shallow bowls and add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra touch. It also reheats well in ramekins for single servings—great for meal prep or lunchboxes too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe tastes just as good the next day! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even more comforting meal later on.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole but skip baking it. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. This is a fantastic way to have a homemade hearty dinner ready whenever you need a quick fix!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, microwaving individual portions is perfectly fine—just cover loosely to keep the moisture locked in and avoid drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or parsley after reheating to bring back some of that fresh-cooked charm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for this casserole?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and hold the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with other pasta types like rotini, penne, or even wide pappardelle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so the noodles stay al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. Adjust seasonings and cook the veggies longer to develop rich flavors that mimic that meaty depth.

How spicy is this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe?

This casserole is mild and family-friendly, featuring classic Italian seasoning without any spicy heat. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you love a little kick.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a crowd?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it unbaked; then just bake right before your guests arrive. It saves time and lets the flavors mingle beautifully for a more robust taste.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

While cheddar gives a sharp tanginess and melts nicely, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mild Colby cheese also work well. You could even mix cheeses for a more complex flavor and extra gooeyness.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly a winner when you want a no-fuss, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, uses familiar ingredients, and always brings smiles around the table. I encourage you to give it a shot and make it your own—this cozy, cheesy bake just might become your new favorite comfort food go-to!