Beef Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender ground beef, egg noodles, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or simply satisfying a craving for warm, home-cooked food. With simple ingredients and a customizable recipe, this casserole is a must-try for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Noodle Casserole
- Hearty and Comforting – Packed with protein, carbs, and creamy cheese, this dish is the definition of comfort food.
- Easy to Make – A beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps and minimal prep.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable – Easily adapt with different veggies, seasonings, or toppings.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Noodles – Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease.
- Mix the Sauce – Stir in the condensed soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs), and melted butter.
- Bake – Sprinkle the topping over the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve – Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield – Serves 6-8 people
- Preparation Time – 15 minutes
- Cooking Time – 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables – Stir in peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Proteins – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options – Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or any short pasta can be used instead of egg noodles.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be substituted for a similar creamy texture.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free condensed soup.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and a plant-based condensed soup alternative.
What is the best way to prevent a dry casserole?
Make sure not to overbake and consider adding a little extra milk or cheese for moisture.
Can I use homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup?
Yes! A homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms is a great alternative.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes! Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking for easy future meals.
Conclusion
Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love!
Print
Beef Noodle Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
Description
This Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Customize it with your favorite veggies and seasonings for a hearty dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using breadcrumbs, toss them with melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole for extra crunch.
-
Bake & Serve:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or paprika for a slight kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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