I have to tell you-this Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole holds a special place in my heart! It's one of those recipes that instantly takes me back to childhood.
I remember coming home from school, starving, and as soon as I walked through the door, I'd smell that incredible mix of cheesy, beefy goodness. Mom would pull a bubbling dish of this casserole out of the oven, and we'd all dive in like we hadn't eaten in days!
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Creamy beef noodle casserole
Now, as a busy cook myself, I totally get why she made it so often-this cheesy noodle bake is quick, easy, budget-friendly, and makes everyone at the table happy!
Plus, it's one of those rare dinners that even picky eaters will devour without complaint. So if you need a go-to comfort meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, this one's for you!
Why make this recipe (beyond the fact it's delicious?). It's affordable and easy to make. It uses easy ingredients and pantry staples that you have on hand. AND it freezes great! If you're making make-ahead-meals, double the recipe and freeze the second meal.
The egg noodle beef casserole is super kid friendly for even your picky eaters! It's an easy recipe and this comfort food will quickly become one of your family favorites!
Ingredients you'll need
These are the simple ingredients you'll need for the beef egg noodle casserole dish. For the exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the blog.
- wide egg noodles - egg noodles, but just about any type noodles works! Rotini, penne even elbow macaroni - use what you have on hand.
- ground beef - I use 85% mix - it's less expensive and frankly has more flavor. Just drain the excess fat, if desired.
- large onion - sweet yellow or white onion
- Italian style diced tomatoes - fire roasted tomatoes would also be great. You can use plain diced tomatoes but I like the extra flavor from the seasoned tomatoes. In a pinch I've also used Campbell's tomato soup.
- shredded cheese - I used Colby Jack, but shredded cheddar cheese or grated parmesan cheese would also be delicious as well!
Beef and Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles uncooked
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 15 ounces can Italian style diced tomatoes do not drain
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided, can substitute shredded mozzarella cheese if you'd prefer.
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles to aldente (cook one minutes less than package directions indicate). Drain well.
- Place the empty pot the noodles were cooked in back on the stove over medium-high heat. (No need to dirty two pots!) Add the olive oil.
- Add the ground beef to the large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Remove excess grease if desirerd.
- Next add the onion and seasoning to the pan - salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until onion has softened and beef is completely cooked.
- Now add the tomato sauce, canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Mix the noodles into the pan with the beef and creamy sauce, toss to combine. Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese to the meat and noodle mixture, mix again.
- Pour the meat sauce mixture into a 9"x13" baking pan that's been coated in cooking spray. Top with the remaining cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake the ground beef and egg noodle casserole for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted, enjoy!
Notes
- Add 2 cups of frozen corn or a package of frozen peas and carrots when you're mixing all of the ingredients together - then you won't even need to cook a veggie to go with this yummy beef and noodle casserole!
- A can of drained kidney beans and diced green pepper will stretch this meal out a little further and be a delicious addition to the cheesy beef noodle bake!
- Lighten it up by sub'ing ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
- Toss in a packet of taco seasoning when you're browning the beef for a whole new flavor! Use a Mexican cheese blend and wa-la - great casserole dish!
- A diced red or green bell pepper will add some tasty vegetables and crunch to the recipe!
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to three days.
- This casserole freezes well. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze up to three months. Thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight. Reheat until hot and bubbly.
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Nutrition
Step-by-step instructions
Making the ground beef noodle casserole is super easy, just follow these easy step-by-step instructions!
- Preheat the oven. Cook the egg noodles and drain well, set aside.
- Now it's time to make the sauce. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook beef for about 5 minutes.
- Next add the diced onions and seasonings to the pan - cook until onion has softened and beef is completely cooked.
- Now add the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes to the meat mixture or mix everything together in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the noodles back to the pan with the beef and toss. Add 2 cups of cheese, mix again.
- Pour the meat mixture into a greased 9"x13" baking dish, top with the remaining cheese. Bake this beef casserole recipe until cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
FAQ's
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nope! Any pasta works-just cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.
Absolutely! Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Deb's top tips
Turn it into a slow cooker meal! Brown the beef and onions, then toss everything (except the cheese) into a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese before serving for a cozy, hands-off dinner.
- After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to scoop without everything sliding apart.
- For a super cheesy, gooey casserole, add a layer of shredded cheese in the middle before adding the final topping. This ensures every bite is extra melty and delicious.
- Be sure to cook the pasta for the egg noodle casserole al dente. If you overcook them, they will get mushy after baking.
- Ground chicken or turkey are both great substitutions to lighten up this meal.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a little heat. No garlic powder, substitute with garlic salt and omit the regular salt in the recipe.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to pull this meal together quickly and you can really use any cheese you prefer.
Flavor Boosting Variations
🌮 Taco Twist: Add a packet of taco seasoning and swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend.
🥦 Veggie Packed: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra goodness.
🍲 Creamy Comfort: Mix in sour cream, ricotta, or cream cheese for a rich, creamy version.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Storage & Freezing Tips
🧊 Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🛑 Freezing Instructions: Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until warmed through.
Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months.
More ground beef casserole recipes
- The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a great make-ahead dinner. It's a meaty, tasty meal.
- If you like potatoes and cheesy, try the Hobo Casserole. This is perfect for potlucks and Sunday supper.
- The Burrito Casserole is so simple and so good it's great for back-to-school and busy weeknight meals!
Delicious pairings: what to serve with
Here are some yummy sides dish ideas and even a dessert. Doesn't this sound like a great meal?!!!
Time to Dig In! This Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal-cheesy, hearty, easy to make, and 100% family-approved.
Whether you're serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers (which somehow taste even better the next day!), this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Now it's your turn! Have you tried this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added any fun twists-extra veggies, a different cheese, or maybe a little spice? I'm always looking for new ways to mix things up!
Brittany says
This beef noodle casserole recipe reminds me of when the hubby and I first married. We lived off Hamburger Helper meals, lol! I'm going to have to make this so we can reminisce without the added ingredients that come with boxed meals.
Debra Clark says
You'll love it Brittany. It's so easy! Just as easy as hamburger helper. It's hearty, delicious and cheesy - great recipe!
Debra Shannon says
I'm about to make this and gathering the ingredients. I have some marinara left over and will use that instead of a can of tomato sauce!
And I will use Italian cheese blend with cheddar, and make it extra cheesy!
Debra Clark says
Oh that sounds amazing Deb!! I bet it will turn out great - enjoy that yummy casserole!
ColleenB.`Tx. says
Great dish to take to family gathering, neighborhood potluck, or church function of which I will normally triple the ingredients.
I due add part of package of the Frozen Pepper & Onion Blend to the mixture.
When making in a large batch I will use a disposable container; hence NO dirty dishes to bring home.
Bowl Me Over says
Brilliant! That sounds delicious Colleen! Glad you're enjoying the recipe and making it your own.
Lois says
I made this delicious casserole and it is a favorite at our house. We love it.
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic! I love this one too, it's easy to make and so creamy and cheesy - thanks Lois!
Nikki Lee says
I made this for the family and everyone loved it! It's filling and flavorful!
MICHAELA KENKEL says
Made this last week for dinner - loved the ease of it and everyone loved the taste! Made great lunches with the leftovers, too!
Bowl Me Over says
How funny, I'm all about the leftovers too - glad this was enjoyed by your family!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm all about the easy, I'm so happy your family enjoyed this meal!!
Linda says
I've been cooking for 59+ years...so here's a little tip!
After I cook my noodles I my onion and ground beef in that same pan, no need to use a fry pan! That method has never failed me. I don't like to dirty any more dishes than necessary!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks for the tip Linda - that's terrific! Who wants to do more dishes in the kitchen? Not me, that's for sure!
Kathleen says
Made this tonight for dinner, it finally cooled off! We loved it! And we have leftovers and I'm excited that they freeze well!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, I'm so glad you enjoyed this meal - thanks Kathleen!!!
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic - glad it was enjoyed by all!
Michelle says
This is a great easy casserole -- delicious too!! Thanks for sharing it with us...I am always on the lookout for easy dinners. 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic, easy meals are the BEST!!
Bowl Me Over says
Great, I hope you really enjoy it!
michele says
I just made this to leave with my husband when I head to my sisters for a week---- I did sneak a few bites and its CRAZY delicious! Thanks for this! He's going to LOVE this!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! I'm glad it was a hit - thanks Michele!
Angela Rodriguez says
Would love to try it, but I have to cook for more then 6 people. Would it be ok to use 1 pound ground meat and double the amount of noodles? Or double both the amount of groundmeat and noodles?
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Angela - I'm so glad you're going to try this recipe! Actually if you click on the number of serving and slide the bar over, it will change the amount of ingredients so you don't have to calculate anything! It does the work for you! If you're doubling the recipe I'd bake it in two casserole dishes if possible. Enjoy the casserole!