If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender ground beef mingling flawlessly with silky egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, and a golden layer of melted cheddar, this casserole offers the perfect balance of savory flavors and cozy textures. It’s the kind of meal that effortlessly brings people together around the dinner table, making every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most memorable meals, and this Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is no exception. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s building rich flavor, adding creamy textures, or delivering that satisfying cheesy topping that everyone loves.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings a rich, meaty flavor to the casserole.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Provides creamy richness and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and luscious creaminess to balance the savory elements.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: Tender and chewy noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies for a soft, flavorful base.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional): A fresh herb note that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
How to Make Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they’re tender but still firm to the bite. Drain them well and set aside to prevent sogginess later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, creating a tasty foundation for the casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as you cook until it’s browned evenly and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, while retaining plenty of savory flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Creamy Ingredients
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, blending everything until smooth and well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper — this step really brings the dish to life, balancing richness with seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture
Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef mixture, making sure every noodle gets coated with that creamy, savory sauce. This ensures each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top — this will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that adds irresistible appeal.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole cool slightly after baking to allow it to set for easy serving.
How to Serve Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh chopped herbs brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich, creamy casserole. It’s a small touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal with some light, fresh flavors. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the creamy, cheesy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake this recipe in muffin tins for ready-to-eat, perfectly portioned mini casseroles. It’s a great idea for parties or meal prepping with style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep all the flavors intact.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Simply prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. To keep the noodles moist, cover with foil while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this casserole?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and ideal for their texture, you can substitute with other pasta types like fusilli, rotini, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so they don’t become mushy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can keep the rest of the ingredients the same to maintain that creamy, comforting feel.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta and check that the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the dish’s deliciousness.
What could I add to make this recipe more flavorful?
Try adding Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture to boost savory depth. You could also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
Be sure to drain the cooked noodles well and avoid adding too much extra liquid. Also, draining excess fat after browning the beef helps keep the casserole from feeling greasy or runny.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those classic, crowd-pleasing dishes that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for an easy, comforting dinner, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too—give it a go and enjoy all the deliciousness!
Print
Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy beef and noodle casserole featuring tender ground beef, savory mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish combines egg noodles with a rich sour cream sauce for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan once fully cooked.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the cooked beef mixture until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Mix noodles with beef mixture: Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with dried parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- For extra veggies, add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat sour cream and cheese.
