If you are craving comfort food that delivers a cozy hug in every bite, you cannot go wrong with this Beef Noodle Casserole. It’s a delightful combination of tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy tomato and cream cheese sauce, paired perfectly with flavorful ground beef, bell peppers, and a blend of melted cheeses that make every forkful irresistible. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and homey, making it a top contender for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone needs a little warmth on their plate.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Beef Noodle Casserole plays an essential role, contributing textures, vibrant colors, and deep flavors that come together harmoniously. These basics are easy to find and come together quickly, ensuring you have that homemade feel without any fuss.

12 ounce bag egg noodles: Provides the perfect tender yet firm base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
2 Tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies with a silky texture.
1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth as it gently cooks down.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly grassy flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant warmth throughout the dish.
1 pound ground beef: Delivers hearty savoriness that makes this casserole a filling meal.
14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds a bright, tangy contrast and luscious moisture.
1 cup tomato sauce: Forms the deliciously rich and smooth tomato base for the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that layers in a lovely Mediterranean touch.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Optional but recommended for a gentle smoky warmth.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough bite for balance.
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and velvety.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence and a silky mouthfeel throughout the casserole.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory note to deepen the sauce.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a gooey, golden topping everyone loves.
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with color and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your casserole won’t stick and cleans up become easy. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the egg noodles just until al dente—meaning they still have a bit of bite because they’ll soften more in the oven, ensuring your dish isn’t mushy.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Vegetables

While the noodles cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook these veggies just until tender, about 3-4 minutes—this lets their sweetness shine. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma without burning it.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat properly builds incredible flavor, so make sure you cook it thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

Step 4: Build the Sauce with Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully and deepen in taste, creating the perfect saucy base for your noodles.

Step 5: Make It Creamy with Cheese and Cream

Lower the heat and add in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and luscious. This step transforms the tangy tomato mixture into a rich, comforting blanket that will hug every noodle and morsel of beef.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Gently fold the drained noodles into the sauce in your skillet, ensuring all noodles are coated generously. Then, pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to layer the flavors throughout.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling golden and enticingly gooey. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes afterward to set up, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds not only a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness. It’s these little finishing touches that elevate your Beef Noodle Casserole from comforting to fantastic.

Side Dishes

This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides to balance the creaminess. Think simple green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, roasted vegetables, or even steamed broccoli for a dose of freshness and a healthy crunch to complement each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to add a bit of flair when serving, try individual ramekins for personal casseroles baked with a crispy cheese crust on top. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on each plate can add extra excitement and an unexpected twist to this classic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Beef Noodle Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to mellow, and when reheated, it’s just as satisfying as fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool the dish completely before covering tightly with foil and a plastic wrap layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil in the last few minutes to let the cheese on top regain its melt and slight crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles provide a perfect texture for this casserole, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells will also work wonderfully and soak up the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef for cooked lentils, tofu crumbles, or a plant-based ground beef alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the rich flavor.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake later?

Definitely. You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I do if I want a less creamy version?

Reduce or omit the cream cheese and heavy cream, replacing them with additional tomato sauce and a splash of broth or milk. The casserole will be lighter but still flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika, but no noticeable heat. If you like more spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Noodle Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Its creamy, cheesy, and hearty layers make it an absolute crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own—it’s comfort food at its finest and a guaranteed way to bring smiles to your dinner table.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles with a rich, creamy tomato and ground beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole blends classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist.

Instructions

Prepare baking dish and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside so it’s ready when needed.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12-ounce bag of egg noodles and cook them until just tender according to package instructions. Avoid overcooking as noodles will continue to soften in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the ground beef: Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Incorporate creamy elements: Lower the heat and mix in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Combine noodles and sauce: Toss the tender cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Add cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake the casserole uncovered on the middle rack of the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the noodles initially; they should be slightly underdone as they cook further in the oven.
For a milder flavor, omit or reduce the smoked paprika.
Using salted butter will add additional saltiness; adjust added salt accordingly.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness but are optional.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: beef noodle casserole, creamy beef casserole, cheesy beef pasta bake, easy casserole recipes, family dinner casserole