If you are craving a cozy dish that perfectly combines hearty flavors with creamy textures, this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with savory spices, tender noodles soaked in rich beef broth and creamy sauce, all topped with a golden blanket of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that feeds both body and soul. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends or family at a casual gathering. Let me take you through every step of making this unforgettable Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe that will soon become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe has a role to play in delivering incredible flavor, texture, and color. These are simple, everyday items that come together beautifully to create a comforting meal you’ll want to make on repeat.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a warm, herbal note that complements the meat and sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that tenderizes the noodles.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess for a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a tangy, umami depth that makes the flavors pop.
- 10 ounces egg noodles: Perfectly chewy noodles that soak up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Provides tang and creaminess to balance richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey goodness for topping and mixing.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and beautiful browning when baked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds fresh color and brightness to the finished dish.
How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess grease. This step builds the savory foundation for the casserole. Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, letting their flavors meld beautifully with the beef.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in oregano, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer—this blend creates a rich, creamy sauce that deeply flavors the noodles and beef. Simmering allows the liquid to slightly reduce and intensify, enhancing every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the noodles are just al dente—firm but tender. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid and flavor during baking, so this stage is important for perfect texture.
Step 4: Mix in Sour Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and stir the sour cream into the skillet for creaminess with a gentle tang. Then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. This step turns the mixture into a velvety, cheesy heaven that binds all elements together deliciously.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the hearty noodle and beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This final bake adds irresistible texture and flavor contrast—the melty, slightly crisp cheese topping is what dreams are made of.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—a crucial step that lets the casserole set slightly for perfect slicing and serving. The parsley adds a fresh, herby finish that brightens the rich dish.
How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe, bringing a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note. Consider adding a few crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a dollop of sour cream on the side to complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is quite rich and filling, lighter sides work beautifully. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy casserole, and roasted or steamed veggies add freshness and texture contrasts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette make wonderful accompaniments if you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the cottage hot in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to give each serving a rustic charm. Layer with extra cheese or add a sprinkle of crushed crunchy onions on top before the final bake for accidental uniqueness. You can also customize by stirring in mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses to make it your own spin on this delicious Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Each reheating session intensifies the flavors, making your leftovers almost as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe before baking for up to 2 months. Just cover the assembled dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Freezing after baking is also possible, though texture might change slightly after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that cheesy topping crispy. A microwave works fine too for quick meals, but the oven gives a better texture overall. Add a splash of broth or cream if the casserole looks dry after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle in this Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Egg noodles are traditional here, but you can swap in pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure any broth or Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare parts of this casserole earlier in the day?
Definitely. You can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in the morning, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to eat. This saves lots of time on a busy evening.
What can I add to make this casserole spicier?
Try adding diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or mix in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes during seasoning to give it a nice kick.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Sour cream adds a lovely tang and creaminess that balances the dish perfectly, but if you prefer, Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be tasty substitutes with a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, delicious invitation to relax and enjoy good food. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or winding down after a busy day. Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen rotation. Once you taste that melty, cheesy goodness baked right into tender noodles and savory beef, you’ll be hooked for good!
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Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Beef Noodle Casserole combines tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce with egg noodles, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, offering a rich blend of savory flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Liquids
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Dairy
- 10 ounces egg noodles (or your choice of noodles)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Season with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and heavy cream. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles directly into the skillet. Cook until the noodles are al dente, absorbing the flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate Dairy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in sour cream. Then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to set.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of noodles such as penne or rotini if preferred.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
