Name: Beef Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces egg noodles; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a big, bubbling dish of Beef Noodle Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s the kind of hearty meal that makes you want to slow down, grab a fork, and enjoy every single bite. With a rich tomato beef sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this casserole is a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this casserole is designed to feed a crowd or leave you with the best kind of leftovers. It’s a classic American-style dish with a little nostalgia baked right in—the kind that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen or a cozy potluck. Whether you’re serving picky kids or hungry adults, it’s sure to be a hit at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Noodle Casserole

This recipe is the ultimate one-dish wonder. It combines the richness of seasoned ground beef with a tangy tomato base and the heartiness of egg noodles. Everything gets layered under melty cheese and baked until golden and gooey. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with pantry staples, and can be made ahead or even frozen for later. Plus, it’s just plain delicious.

Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?

Absolutely. While wide egg noodles are traditional for this casserole because of their texture and ability to hold up under sauce, you can easily swap them for rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. The key is to avoid anything too delicate like angel hair—you want something sturdy that can hold up to baking and all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients for the Beef Noodle Casserole

This classic casserole keeps things simple with ingredients that are easy to find and big on flavor.

Ground Beef
You’ll want to use lean ground beef for a hearty, savory base without too much grease.

Egg Noodles
These cook quickly and soak up the beefy tomato sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.

Onion
A chopped yellow onion adds a flavorful aromatic base.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic builds savory depth into the beef mixture.

Tomato Sauce
This forms the foundation of the casserole sauce—rich, smooth, and perfect for binding everything together.

Tomato Paste
It adds a concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

Italian Seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings familiar herby notes to every bite.

Salt & Pepper
Just enough to season the meat and sauce well.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melted over the top, cheddar gives a sharp, creamy finish that pulls everything together.

Sour Cream (Optional)
Swirl it into the sauce for a creamier, tangy kick.

How To Make the Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions together until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a greased baking dish, layer half the noodles, half the beef sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers. Add sour cream between layers if using.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store Beef Noodle Casserole

This dish serves 6 to 8 people depending on portion size, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or potluck gatherings. It holds up well for leftovers, and might even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What to Serve With Beef Noodle Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats a crusty piece of garlic bread to scoop up every last bite of saucy casserole.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted veggies bring out a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy casserole.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans add a fresh, crunchy bite on the side.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Add tangy contrast and help cleanse the palate.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor complements the beefy base perfectly.

Corn on the Cob

Especially sweet during summer months, corn adds a touch of brightness.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this hearty Beef Noodle Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these savory, cheesy favorites too:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a creamy, quick-fix comfort meal.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need fast and flavorful.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a bubbly, cheesy pasta night.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with a white sauce twist.
Mushroom Mozzarella Bake if you’re into earthy flavors and lots of gooey cheese.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or top it with mozzarella? Did your kids go back for seconds?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and weeknight dinner ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next craveable casserole.