Beef Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Cozy Dinner
Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a deeply layered, cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole. For me, this dish takes me back to chilly evenings spent huddled around the table with my family, each bite wrapping us in warmth and love. The mingling scents of sautéed onions and garlic bubbling away with seasoned ground beef instantly fill the home with a fragrance that invites everyone to gather ‘round. This easy weeknight dinner is a true crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a busy school night or a laid-back weekend when you’re craving something cozy and creamy.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for feed-a-crowd easy dinners—it’s hearty and filling!
- With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip it up quickly.
- A warm hug in casserole form, delivering comforting flavors that everyone will love.
- Ideal for family-friendly meals—the kids will be asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need
To create this comforting dish, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole
Let’s make it together—this step-by-step guide will have you savoring your very own Beef Noodle Casserole in no time!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, setting the stage for a flavorful base.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned. Take a moment to drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper, allowing those beautiful flavors to meld together into something wonderful.
- In a large pot, boil the egg noodles according to package instructions; once cooked, drain them well, and relish the aroma of the warm noodles.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture, stirring gently to incorporate all those delicious components—this is where the magic happens!
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with your choice of shredded cheese. Creating that glorious cheesy crown is my favorite part!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a golden crust that beckons you closer.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the joy of every bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
To keep things exciting, here are a few fun ways to customize your Beef Noodle Casserole:
- Veggie Boost: Add in some frozen peas or diced bell peppers for an extra pop of color and nutrition. They’ll add a crisp sweetness that complements the beef beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty surprise that brings heat to the comfort.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking for an extra creamy, indulgent twist.
- Herbed Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano sprinkled in at the end for a fragrant finish that brightens up the dish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled and stored in the fridge for a day before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a cozy meal!
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or sausage work wonderfully in this recipe as well.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap in ground turkey, or add your favorite vegetables to the mix.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? When properly stored, it lasts about 3 days, but good luck keeping it around that long!
Wrapping It Up
This Beef Noodle Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on cold nights, a nostalgic journey to simpler times, and an easy way to bring loved ones together around the dinner table. Keep it handy—save this Beef Noodle Casserole to your cozy meals board so it’s ready when you need it most! Happy cooking!
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Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A deeply layered, cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole that wraps you in warmth and comfort, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, salt, and pepper, allowing flavors to meld.
- Boil egg noodles according to package instructions; drain well.
- Combine cooked noodles with the beef mixture, stirring gently to blend.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This casserole can be assembled and stored in the fridge for a day before baking. Feel free to customize with veggies or use ground turkey instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, beef recipes, family meals