Beef Noodle Casserole

This Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce all smothered in melted cheddar cheese.

It takes just 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes in the oven. That is my kind of dinner.

Your family is going to go absolutely crazy for this one.

Why This Recipe Works

It is incredibly easy. Brown the beef, cook the noodles, mix it all together, and bake.

The tomato sauce and tomato paste create a rich, savory base that coats every single noodle.

And that bubbly golden cheddar on top? Absolute perfection.

This is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. But you totally did not.

Ingredients You Will Need

Egg noodles are the star here. Wide or extra-wide work best because they hold onto all that beefy tomato sauce.

Ground beef gives this casserole its hearty, satisfying flavor. I like using 80/20 for the best taste.

Tomato sauce and tomato paste build that deep, rich tomato flavor without being overpowering.

Italian seasoning adds all the classic herb flavors in one easy scoop.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds that irresistible golden, bubbly top layer.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the egg noodles until al dente and drain them.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Toss the cooked noodles into the sauce. Stir in half the cheese.

Step 5: Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Trust me on this one.

Tips for the Best Results

Do not overcook the noodles. They will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is the way to go.

Make sure you drain the grease from the beef. Nobody wants a greasy casserole.

For even more cheesy goodness, add a layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole too.

Cream cheese is a game changer. Stir in 4 oz with the tomato sauce for an extra creamy, dreamy texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. It honestly tastes even better the next day.

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Print Pin

No ratings yet

Beef Noodle Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

Casserole

• 12 oz egg noodles wide or extra wide
• 1 lb ground beef 80/20
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 15 oz tomato sauce 1 can
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
• Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the beef sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

You can swap cheddar for a Mexican blend or mozzarella cheese if preferred.

For extra creaminess, stir in 4 oz of cream cheese with the tomato sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a winner. It is easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Whether you are feeding a crowd or just want a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

Make it once and it will be on permanent rotation in your house.