Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, family-friendly casserole that combines tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce? Beef Noodle Casserole is the perfect answer! It’s an easy, hearty dish made with simple ingredients, making it great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave something comforting. This casserole brings together the best of ground beef, noodles, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese, delivering ultimate comfort in every bite. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make it perfect every time!

this Recipe

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What is Beef Noodle Casserole?

Beef Noodle Casserole is a classic baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheese. It's similar to a baked ziti or lasagna but with a simpler, more homestyle preparation. This easy-to-make casserole is a perfect go-to for family dinners when you need a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients List for Beef Noodle Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty and comforting casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound (80-85% lean)
2. Egg Noodles: 12 ounces (wide or medium-sized)
3. Onion: 1 medium, chopped
4. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
5. Tomato Sauce: 2 cups (or one 15-ounce can)
6. Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained
7. Sour Cream: 1 cup
8. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
9. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (divided)
10. Beef Broth: ½ cup
11. Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
12. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
13. Paprika: 1 teaspoon
14. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
15. Salt and Pepper: To taste
16. Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a delicious, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

1. Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.
2. Noodles: While egg noodles are classic for this recipe, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini can be used. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute if needed.
3. Cheese: Cheddar cheese is great for its sharp flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for extra melty goodness.
4. Sour Cream: To lighten up the dish, you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
5. Extra Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for an added nutritional boost.
6. Spicy Option: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make this delicious Beef Noodle Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente (firm to the bite), following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Push the beef to the side of the skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

1. Add the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Creamy Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread half of the cooked noodles in an even layer in the greased baking dish.
   • Top with half of the beef mixture, followed by dollops of the cream cheese mixture.
   • Add the remaining noodles and beef mixture on top.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

1. Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out servings.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color.

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How to Cook Beef Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the key steps to making Beef Noodle Casserole:

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles until al dente and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef, then sauté onions and garlic.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings to the beef mixture and let it simmer.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Layer noodles, beef, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top and Bake: Cover with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest, garnish, and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue cooking in the oven, so overcooking them beforehand will make them mushy.
2. Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Forgetting to Season: Don’t forget to season the beef and sauce well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Proper seasoning brings out the flavors in the casserole.
4. Skipping the Resting Step: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and prevents it from falling apart when serving.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole:

• Portions: Slice the casserole into squares or scoop out portions with a large spoon.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole:

• Garnish: Sprinkle the casserole with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serving Dish: Serve the casserole directly from a rustic or colorful baking dish for a cozy, family-style presentation.

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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: Beef Noodle Casserole freezes well. You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef and works just as well in this recipe.

Can I freeze Beef Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze leftovers after baking. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture to pack in more nutrients.

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Conclusion

This Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family. With savory ground beef, creamy sauce, tender noodles, and melty cheese, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you follow the recipe as written or customize it with your favorite ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and start baking this delicious, hearty meal tonight!

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