Warm & Zesty Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a hearty beef noodle casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender pasta intertwine with rich, savory meat and creamy sauce.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this satisfying or simple to prepare.

Families appreciate quick dishes that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Cheese melts perfectly between noodles, creating irresistible golden-brown edges everyone craves.

Crisp vegetables add delightful texture and nutritional balance to this classic one-pan wonder.

Why Beef Noodle Casserole Is a Comfort Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying blend of beef and noodles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Whip up this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal, perfect for busy families seeking a quick and tasty dinner solution.
• Customizable Culinary Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, trying different cheese blends, or adding your favorite herbs to make this casserole uniquely yours.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Minimize kitchen mess with a single-skillet approach that streamlines cooking and reduces post-meal dishwashing, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Ingredients for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Wide Egg Noodles: The comforting base that provides a soft and satisfying texture to the dish.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Sour Cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the rich beef.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a melty, savory topping that creates a golden, crispy layer.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, meaty flavor to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a deep, umami taste to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the casserole.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Scoop out the beef and set it aside temporarily.

Step 3: Sauté The Veggie Ensemble

• Onions
• Garlic
• Red bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle in oregano, salt, and pepper to boost the flavor profile.

Step 4: Create A Creamy Sauce

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook The Noodles

Boil noodles in salted water until they reach a perfect al dente texture.

Drain completely.

Step 6: Combine All Elements

Blend the cooked noodles, browned beef, and sour cream into the skillet mixture.

Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with enthusiasm.

Pro Tips for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture in the casserole.
• Deglaze the skillet with beef broth to capture all the delicious browned bits from cooking meat.
• Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and become perfectly creamy.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Assemble casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavorful Variations of Beef Noodle Casserole

• Vegetarian Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that keeps the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap traditional noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly casserole that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa noodles and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle some chili powder to give the casserole a zesty, southwestern kick.

Serving Ideas for Beef Noodle Casserole

Family Movie Night Feast: Perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones, this hearty casserole brings everyone together around the dinner table with its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness.

Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where friends and family will rave about its rich, creamy texture and satisfying blend of beef and noodles.

Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this casserole a lifesaver for busy families needing a delicious meal in under an hour, with minimal cleanup required.

Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – a convenient option for those planning meals in advance or wanting a make-ahead comfort food solution.

How to Store Beef Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, this beef noodle casserole is perfect for kids. It has a mild flavor, cheesy topping, and familiar ingredients that most children enjoy. The combination of noodles and beef makes it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

• How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Cook the noodles just until al dente and avoid overcooking. When mixing them into the skillet, do so gently to maintain their texture. The baking time is short, which helps prevent the noodles from becoming too soft.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting beef noodle casserole delivers hearty warmth straight from Midwestern kitchens. Cheesy layers of tender pasta and seasoned ground beef promise a satisfying meal that pulls families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 10 ounces (283 grams) egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until they become tender and translucent.
4. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture to enhance the flavors.
5. Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich sauce that simmers gently.
6. Cook noodles in salted water until they reach al dente texture, then drain completely.
7. Combine the cooked noodles, browned beef, and sour cream with the simmering sauce, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Transfer the combined mixture into a casserole dish, ensuring an even spread.
9. Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a golden, melted finish.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbles with appetizing intensity.
11. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole for a vibrant garnish and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing flavor and keep the dish lighter.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for increased nutritional value and depth of flavor.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg