Homemade Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering beef noodle casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Layers of tender meat and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Creamy sauce weaves through each bite, ensuring maximum deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this delectable dish in no time.

Simple yet sophisticated, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dive into this recipe and watch your dinner table come alive with joy and excitement.

Why Beef Noodle Casserole Never Goes Out of Style

• Comfort Cooking Champion: A hearty beef and noodle casserole that delivers pure, soul-warming satisfaction for hungry families craving a classic home-cooked meal.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this dish perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works brilliantly as a weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or family gathering centerpiece that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

All the Comforting Ingredients for Beefy Casserole Love

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Wide Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds a soft and comforting texture to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich and creamy foundation to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and additional creaminess to the mixture.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the creamy components smoothly.

• Onions: Bring a sweet and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, cheesy layer to the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional ingredient that creates a crispy golden crust on top.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole With Ease

Step 1: Brown Beef And Onions

Heat a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium-high temperature. Break the meat into small crumbly pieces while cooking. After beef starts to brown, add diced onions and sauté until onions become translucent and release a delicious aroma.

Step 2: Season The Meat

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Noodles

Boil wide egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Cook until noodles reach al dente consistency, then drain completely using a colander.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Milk

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Mix cooked noodles with seasoned beef. Gently fold in the creamy soup mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread the mixture into an even layer.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole. Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese for extra crispiness.

Step 8: Bake And Serve

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and top turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set perfectly.

Tips for a Flavor-Packed Casserole Dish

• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop onions and measure ingredients before starting to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Boost Flavor Punch: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without compromising taste.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even melting across the casserole surface.
• Crunch Factor Control: Toast breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet before adding to create extra crispy and golden topping with enhanced nutty flavor.
• Leftover Love: Store cooled casserole in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in oven at 350°F to maintain original texture and prevent sogginess.

Fun Mix-Ins to Elevate This Classic Casserole

• Vegetarian Noodle Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bake: Swap wide egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles, and use cornstarch instead of flour-based cream of mushroom soup to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Protein Fusion: Substitute noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to reduce carbohydrates while boosting protein content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with a kick of heat.

What to Pair With a Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole

• Enhance Beef Noodle Casserole with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy mixed greens salad with vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and provide a fresh contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare garlic-seasoned roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add vibrant color and nutritional balance to the hearty main dish.
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy texture and cut through the casserole's richness with its bright, acidic notes.

Reheat and Store Without Losing That Casserole Charm

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the casserole reaches steaming hot temperature throughout.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out.

Got Casserole Questions? We’ve Got Answers

• What ingredients make this casserole so hearty?

Ground beef, wide egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese create a rich, comforting meal that’s filling and satisfying.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as lean alternatives that maintain the casserole’s delicious flavor profile.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This is an excellent starter recipe – it requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, mixing ingredients, and baking, making it very approachable for novice home cooks.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45-53 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich flavors with nostalgic warmth. Cheesy, creamy layers promise a satisfying meal that connects generations around one delicious plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Side Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking for about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add diced onions to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Cook the wide egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions until they reach al dente consistency, then drain thoroughly.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined.
7. Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture, then fold in the creamy soup mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, covering the surface completely.
10. Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese for an additional crispy texture.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.

Notes

• Customize the cheese by mixing different varieties like mozzarella or monterey jack for added depth of flavor.
• Lighten up the recipe by using ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the dish’s veggie content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-38 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg