When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, few dishes can compete with the rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Beef Noodle Casserole. This dish combines tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce into one comforting, oven-baked meal that is both family-friendly and meal-prep-friendly.
Perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this casserole is a one-pan wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With its melty cheese topping, well-seasoned beef, and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that will quickly become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes Beef Noodle Casserole a timeless classic, share expert tips for enhancing flavor, discuss fun variations, and answer some common FAQs to ensure you get the perfect casserole every time.
Why This Beef Noodle Casserole is a Must-Try
1. A Perfect One-Dish Meal
This casserole has everything you need in one dish—protein, carbs, vegetables, and cheese. It’s an easy way to get a balanced meal without extra side dishes (although a simple salad or garlic bread makes a great pairing!).
2. Effortless and Quick to Prepare
Beef Noodle Casserole is one of those low-maintenance meals that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time. Most of the work happens in the skillet and baking dish, and once it’s in the oven, all that’s left to do is wait for the cheesy top to turn golden brown.
3. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
If you have picky eaters at home, this dish is a game-changer. The familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta make it a meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in extra veggies without compromising on taste.
4. Great for Leftovers and Meal Prep
Not only does this dish taste amazing fresh out of the oven, but it reheats beautifully for leftovers. It’s an excellent choice for meal prepping, as it stays moist and flavorful even after a couple of days in the fridge.
5. A Comfort Food Classic with a Twist
This dish feels nostalgic, reminiscent of the casseroles grandma used to make. But with a few modern touches—like adding mushrooms for depth, olives for a briny contrast, or different cheeses for richness—it becomes a next-level comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided (plus extra for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped (1 ½ cups)
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn, defrosted
- 1 (15-ounce) can black olives, strained and chopped
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (177°C).
- Boil the Egg Noodles – Cook in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce – Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil. Add canned tomatoes and simmer.
- Cook the Ground Beef – Brown the beef separately, season with salt, then mix into the tomato sauce.
- Sauté the Mushrooms – Cook in the same pan until browned, then add to the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole – In a 3-quart baking dish, layer cooked noodles, beef sauce, corn, olives, and two-thirds of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole – Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
How to Elevate Your Beef Noodle Casserole
While this dish is delicious as is, a few small tweaks can take it from great to exceptional.
1. Use a Mix of Cheeses for the Best Flavor
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but mixing in Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Mozzarella can enhance the creaminess and melt factor.
2. Add a Crunchy Topping for Extra Texture
While traditional casseroles rely on cheese for their topping, consider adding a light crunch by sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking.
3. Let the Sauce Simmer for Extra Depth
Instead of rushing the sauce-making process, allow the tomato mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
4. Experiment with Seasonings
If you want to spice things up, try adding:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami richness
- A pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone
5. Make It a Complete Meal with Extra Veggies
If you’re looking to make this dish even more nutrient-dense, consider mixing in additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. These blend seamlessly into the sauce and add extra vitamins and fiber.
Fun Variations on Beef Noodle Casserole
This versatile recipe can be adjusted based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or flavor cravings. Here are a few fun twists to try:
1. Tex-Mex Beef Noodle Casserole
- Add chili powder, cumin, and black beans to the meat mixture.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sour cream before serving.
2. Italian-Inspired Beef Noodle Casserole
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar for added richness.
- Top with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
3. Low-Carb Beef Casserole
- Replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
- Use cottage cheese instead of cheddar for a higher-protein alternative.
4. Vegetarian Version
- Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a meaty texture without the meat.
5. Make it a Breakfast Casserole
- Add scrambled eggs into the mix for a protein-packed breakfast dish.
- Use sausage instead of ground beef and add hash browns for extra heartiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Freeze Beef Noodle Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
2. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
3. What’s the Best Pasta to Use?
Egg noodles are soft and soak up the sauce beautifully, but other options like rotini, penne, or even bowtie pasta work just as well.
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
5. What Can I Serve with Beef Noodle Casserole?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
6. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond milk in place of regular cheese and milk.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic for Any Occasion
Beef Noodle Casserole is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s warm, satisfying, and easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends and family.
With its rich flavors, melty cheese, and customizable ingredients, this casserole proves that comfort food can be both simple and incredibly delicious. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, one thing is certain—this dish will leave everyone at the table coming back for seconds.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a timeless, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s guaranteed to hit the spot!
Print
Best Beef Noodle Casserole – Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Noodle Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal loaded with savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Tossed with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more for boiling pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, defrosted
- 1 (15-ounce) can black olives, strained and chopped
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). - Boil the Egg Noodles:
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, about 4–5 minutes for al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon if necessary. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet used for the beef, sauté the sliced mushrooms until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms to the beef and tomato mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large (3-quart) casserole dish, spread the cooked egg noodles.
- Pour the beef and tomato mixture over the noodles, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the defrosted corn, chopped olives, and two-thirds of the grated cheddar cheese.
- Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before ser
Notes
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a twist on flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
