Introduction

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender egg noodles, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily and bakes to cheesy perfection.

A white baking dish filled with one layer of wide, ruffled egg noodles cooked in a creamy meat sauce with browned ground beef, covered by a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned on top. Small pieces of green parsley are scattered across the cheesy noodles. A metal spatula lifts a portion from the dish, showing the noodles coated with rich, orange cheese and bits of meat clinging to them. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups grated mozzarella cheddar blend (or just cheddar)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third.
Step 2: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but reduce the time by a minute or two so they stay firm. Drain and transfer the noodles to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 3: While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until it is fully browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully spoon most of it out. Add the marinara sauce to the beef mixture and warm through.
Step 6: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the noodles in the casserole dish. Add half of the grated cheese and gently toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then smooth the mixture evenly in the dish.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through. For a golden-brown crust, you can broil for a few minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture while cooking.
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a balance of creaminess and sharpness, or swap in your favorite cheese blend.
To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce.
Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with layered pasta and meat sauce, showing about three layers. The bottom layer is wide, flat pasta noodles with a pale, creamy yellow color, slightly curled at edges. The middle layer is a rich, chunky ground meat sauce in reddish-brown with small pieces of tomato and herbs mixed in. The top layer is melted cheese, golden yellow and bubbly, melting over the pasta and meat. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on the top, adding a touch of freshness. A gold fork is placed inside the bowl on the left side, resting against the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli will work well in this casserole. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly and make sure to drain well before assembling.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.