Easy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Ground beef noodle casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together hearty, satisfying ingredients to create a warm, filling meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just when you’re craving something simple and delicious. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a flavorful ground beef noodle casserole, including a detailed recipe, tips for customizing the dish, and answers to common questions.

Introduction: What is Ground Beef Noodle Casserole?

Ground beef noodle casserole, sometimes known as beef and noodle bake or beef pasta casserole, is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that consists of ground beef, pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a creamy sauce. This meal is often baked to perfection, with melted cheese bubbling on top and savory aromas filling your kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences, and it’s also an excellent way to use pantry staples you probably already have.

The recipe we’re sharing today is easy to make and perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

The Recipe: Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

Here is a simple, classic recipe for ground beef noodle casserole that yields about 6-8 servings. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
Ground beef (lean)	1 lb	450 g
Egg noodles	12 oz	340 g
Olive oil	1 tbsp	15 ml
Yellow onion (chopped)	1 medium	1 medium (about 150 g)
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	2 cloves (about 6 g)
Tomato sauce	15 oz can	425 g
Diced tomatoes (canned)	14.5 oz can	410 g
Tomato paste	2 tbsp	30 g
Beef broth	1 cup	240 ml
Dried oregano	1 tsp	1 tsp
Dried basil	1 tsp	1 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp	2.5 g
Black pepper	1/4 tsp	1 g
Cream cheese (softened)	4 oz	115 g
Sour cream	1 cup	240 ml
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups	200 g
Fresh parsley (optional)	1 tbsp (chopped)	15 g

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Creamy Layer: While the sauce is simmering, mix the cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until smooth. This will create a creamy, tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering the ingredients. First, spread half of the cooked noodles on the bottom of the dish. Then, spoon half of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef

For this recipe, it’s best to use lean ground beef (about 85% lean). This will minimize the amount of grease without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

2. Use Fresh or Dried Herbs

Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor, but dried herbs are convenient and easy to store. If using fresh herbs, double the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated.

3. Get Creative with Cheese

While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can mix it up by using a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar will work well. The key is to have a cheese that melts nicely to create that gooey, comforting topping.

4. Vegetable Variations

You can easily add more vegetables to this dish to increase its nutritional value. Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat sauce. If you have picky eaters, finely chop the vegetables so they blend seamlessly into the casserole.

5. Making It Ahead of Time

This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it. If freezing, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add 20-30 minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep time and basic ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Customizable: Swap out the noodles, cheese, or veggies to make it your own.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditional for this dish, you can use any pasta you like. Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well because their shapes hold the sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also, ensure that the tomato sauce, beef broth, and other ingredients are gluten-free, as some brands may add flour or gluten-containing thickeners.

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole?

To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. The lentils will provide a similar texture to ground beef, and plant-based meat substitutes work well to mimic the original flavor profile.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Customizing Your Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

This recipe is designed to be a base, allowing you to make tweaks and additions as you see fit. Here are some ideas for customizing your casserole:

Cheese Lovers’ Delight

• Add more cheese! You can include extra layers of cheese within the casserole or mix different types of cheese for a richer flavor.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a bit of sharpness.

Veggie-Packed Version

• Add vegetables like peas, corn, or finely chopped carrots for extra nutrients.
• Substitute half the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms to cut down on meat but keep the umami flavor.

Spicy Kick

• If you like your meals with a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño to the meat sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
• Swap the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Healthy, Low-Fat Option

• Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or even try a plant-based meat substitute.
• Incorporate more vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, or kale, to increase the nutritional value.

Conclusion

Ground beef noodle casserole is a comforting, versatile dish that can be customized in many ways. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own with a few creative touches, this meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and delicious, it

’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

So, next time you’re looking for something cozy and satisfying, give this ground beef noodle casserole a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!