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This Beef and Noodle Casserole is loaded with savory ground beef, tangy tender noodles, and melty cheese baked to perfection. Cooks in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal and make-ahead friendly!
Casserole Recipes make dinnertime a breeze! Being a busy mom of 8, this Beef and Noodle Casserole can be prepped in about 15 minutes which has saved dinnertime many times. The ingredients are simple and even my pickiest eater cleans his plate.
If you have made our Beef Tips and Noodles, Mongolian Beef and Noodles or Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Casserole then you are going to love this simple but delicious casserole.
What's in this post: Beef and Noodle Casserole
Why You’ll Love this Beef and Noodle Casserole
This Beef and Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It is budget friendly and I can even make it ahead of time. All the cozy vibes in one baking pan and combines a rich tomato-beef sauce, twirly egg noodles with a melty cheese topping.
My kids love it and request it weekly because of how delicious it is. Because this casserole is so hearty, I like to serve with a light side dish to make a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – We like using Lean Ground Beef. You can substitute with ground turkey
- Onion – Dice the onion into small pieces. You can even dice ahead of time and freeze onions
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Egg Noodles – You can also make this casserole with bow tie pasta or any short type of pasta
- Marinara Sauce – See How to Make Easy Marinara Sauce. Substitute with tomato sauce
- Diced Tomatoes – A can of Rotel is a great substitution
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – We like using freshly shredded cheese for the best taste. Substitute with cheddar cheese
- Italian Seasoning – See How to Make Italian Seasoning Recipe
How to Make Beef and Noodle Casserole
Step 1 – Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2 – Boil egg noodles according to package directions until al dente in boiling water in a large pot. Drain.
Step 3 – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned, about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 4 – Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer the ground beef mixture for 5 minutes.
Step 5 – Combine cooked noodles with the meat sauce mixture, then transfer to casserole dish.
Step 6 – Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! Garnish with green onions.
Beef and Noodles Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 bag 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned, about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked noodles with the meat sauce mixture, then transfer to baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Pro Tips
- Cooking Noodles – Slightly undercook the noodles as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Crispy Finish – For a nicely browned top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Ground Beef – Drain the ground beef after cooking to prevent a greasy casserole.
Flavor Variations
- Tex Mex Flavor – Substitute the Italian Seasoning with Taco Seasoning and use pepper jack cheese with the addition of black beans and corn for a delicious variation.
- Vegetables – This is a great casserole to mix in your favorite chopped veggies. We suggest slice mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, chopped spinach, or zucchini.
- Crunchy Topping – This casserole would be delicious the addition of crushed Ritz Crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Creamy Texture – For a creamy texture, mix in a Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup with a ½ cup of sour cream for a tangy flavor.
Serving Recommendations
FAQ’s
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and place in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Bake the casserole within 24 hours.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual serving in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze this cheesy beef noodle casserole baked or unbaked in an disposable plan for up to 3 months covered with aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the oven. This is a great recipe to double to stock your freezer.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
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Taco Rice Casserole
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Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Easy Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
If you make this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
This was the perfect meal to make ahead and all I had to do was bake for a busy weeknight! Everyone cleaned their plates!