Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying one-dish meal that combines hearty flavors with comforting textures, this Beef Noodle Casserole is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender egg noodles, rich ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with Italian herbs and a touch of smoky paprika. Topped with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a big, flavorful hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Beef Noodle Casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds a unique touch, from the tender noodles providing the perfect base, to the combination of cheeses filling the dish with creamy richness and the vegetables lending freshness and color.

• 12 ounce bag egg noodles: Choose fresh or dried noodles; they cook quickly and have the perfect texture to soak up the sauce.
• 2 Tablespoons butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables.
• 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a crisp, slightly bitter punch to balance richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory lift that ties all flavors together.
• 1 pound ground beef: Use quality beef for the best flavor and a hearty texture.
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices): Provides a juicy, tangy base full of savory tomato goodness.
• 1 cup tomato sauce: Helps to thicken and deepen the tomato flavor in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adding aromatic warmth and complexity.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky depth, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors alive.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Enriches the texture, making each bite velvety smooth.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty note enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible, gooey topping.
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish): A bright, fresh finishing touch that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by setting your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray – this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the egg noodles. Cook until just tender, following the package’s direction closely; you want them firm enough to hold their shape since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to be combined.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to release their sweetness. Add in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more to wake up those fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until all the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too heavy or oily.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to marry and intensify the flavors. This step is key for developing that rich, layered taste.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted fully and the sauce turns luxuriously smooth. Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust seasonings if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper.

Step 7: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained noodles into the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently but thoroughly so every noodle is coated in the creamy beef mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the noodle and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top to create a delicious golden crust. Bake on the middle rack uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Let the casserole rest five minutes before serving to set beautifully.

How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled over the top give the casserole a wonderful pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the richness perfectly. Don’t skip this simple but rewarding finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make lovely companions, soaking up those delicious creamy juices left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, consider serving this Beef Noodle Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It not only makes the presentation charming but also helps each portion maintain its cheesy, bubbling goodness. You can even add a sprinkle of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Noodle Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more after resting overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious than the first serving!

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze uncooked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

When reheating refrigerated or thawed casserole, warm it in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, removing the foil near the end to refresh the cheese topping. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps keep that lovely texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for this casserole due to their tender texture and shape, feel free to swap in other short pasta like rotini, penne, or even shells. Just adjust cooking times so your pasta isn’t overdone.

Is it possible to make this Beef Noodle Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option. The creamy tomato sauce ensures the casserole remains rich and flavorful.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What can I substitute for the cream cheese if I don’t have any?

If cream cheese isn’t on hand, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similarly creamy texture. Alternatively, a roux-thickened cream sauce can also work but won’t have quite the same tangy richness.

How do I make the casserole less rich or lower in fat?

Try using lean ground beef or ground turkey, reducing or omitting the butter, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and using part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat. The dish remains tasty and comforting but lighter on calories.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Noodle Casserole is one of those timeless dishes that feels like home in every bite. Its wonderful combination of creamy sauce, savory beef, and melty cheese makes it perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I love eating it — it truly has a way of bringing everyone to the table with big smiles and warm hearts.

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