Name: Beef Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium onion (finely diced); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 12 ounces egg noodles (cooked according to package directions); 1 can 16 ounces tomato sauce; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and cheddar cheese baked into a cozy Beef Noodle Casserole.

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This Beef Noodle Casserole takes me right back to the kind of dinners my grandma used to throw together when I’d visit her in the summer. She wasn’t the type to follow a recipe to the letter—half the time she’d just open the pantry, toss in what she had, and somehow it always worked. I remember sitting at her tiny kitchen table, the casserole dish steaming between us, and she’d casually say, “It’s nothing fancy, just beef and noodles.” But to me, it tasted like magic.

Fast forward to now, and I swear I channeled her one night when I was bone-tired after work. The fridge wasn’t exactly inspiring—just a pound of beef, half an onion, some egg noodles, and cheddar. Out of desperation (and a little nostalgia), I made my own version of her beef noodle casserole. Was it perfect? Nope. I think I overcooked the noodles a touch, and I may have dumped in a little too much cheese (if that’s even a real problem). But when the kids asked for seconds without side-eyeing me, I figured I had a winner.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe?

If you’re like me, casseroles aren’t about being fancy—they’re about filling bellies, making the house smell good, and giving you leftovers that taste even better the next day. This beef noodle casserole checks all those boxes. It’s quick (about 30 minutes start to finish), it’s cheap (you probably have most of the ingredients already), and it’s flexible enough that you don’t need to stress if you’re missing something. Honestly, it feels like one of those dishes that takes care of you instead of the other way around. And isn’t that what comfort food is supposed to do?

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s break down the basics, with a little honesty sprinkled in:

Ground Beef – Lean beef is less greasy, but if you only have regular, just drain it and keep going. No big deal.
Onion – Chopped up and sautéed, it makes the kitchen smell like dinner’s really happening.
Garlic – Two teaspoons. Or three. Nobody ever complained about extra garlic.
Egg Noodles – They’ve got that soft, chewy bite that just belongs in a casserole.
Tomato Sauce – The glue that pulls everything together. I’ve even used marinara once when I was out—it was still good.
Italian Seasoning – A shortcut to flavor that makes you look like you tried harder than you did.
Cheddar Cheese – Melty, gooey, golden. And yes, I always sneak a little more than the recipe calls for.
Parsley – Totally optional, but it makes the dish look like you put effort into presentation.

How To Make Beef Noodle Casserole?

Step 1: Pasta Time.
Cook the noodles according to the package. Drain them, and try not to eat half while you wait. (Guilty as charged.)

Step 2: Beef & Onion.
Heat olive oil in a skillet, toss in the diced onion and garlic, then brown the beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where the kitchen starts smelling really good.

Step 3: Sauce It Up.
Stir in the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes—long enough that the flavors meld together but not so long you’re standing there impatiently tapping the spoon.

Step 4: Mix & Match.
Combine the noodles and beef mixture, stirring until everything looks evenly coated. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s casserole, not rocket science.

Step 5: Assemble.
Pour it all into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Don’t skimp—this is the part people remember.

Step 6: Bake.
Pop it into a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve.
Sprinkle parsley if you want to be fancy, scoop it onto plates, and watch it disappear.

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Storage Options:

This casserole is basically a leftover dream. Cover and refrigerate it for up to three days—it reheats beautifully in the oven, but the microwave works if you’re impatient. You can also freeze it (either the whole thing before baking or in individual portions after). Just thaw overnight and bake until it’s hot and melty again.

Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe isn’t strict—think of it as a template:

Swap the Meat – Turkey, chicken, sausage… it all works.
Try Different Cheese – Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a “clean out the cheese drawer” mix.
Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are all sneaky add-ins.
Make It Creamy – Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer base.

What to Serve with Beef Noodle Casserole?

You could serve it alone, but if you want a little balance:

Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs feels right.
Salad – Something crisp and fresh to cut the richness.
Steamed Veggies – Broccoli or green beans are easy wins.
Pickles or Olives – My grandma always threw a jar on the table, and weirdly, it works.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when you’re ready.

Can I use other pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, bowties—basically anything that holds sauce.

How do I make it lighter?
Use ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra veggies. It’s not exactly “diet food,” but it works.

This Beef Noodle Casserole feels like the kind of dish you pull out when life’s chaotic and you need something warm, filling, and guaranteed to get the table quiet for a few minutes. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly why it works. I’ve made it on lazy Tuesdays, snowy weekends, and once even for a potluck where it vanished embarrassingly fast.

So—are you more of an “extra cheese” person or do you sneak in extra veggies when no one’s looking?

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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