Hearty Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy beef noodle casserole might just become your ultimate comfort meal solution.

Hearty flavors dance through this delightful dish, promising warmth and satisfaction in every single bite.

Tender meat and perfectly cooked noodles create a harmonious blend that feels like a culinary embrace.

Rich, velvety sauce wraps around each ingredient, delivering a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Nostalgic and homey, this casserole represents the kind of meal that brings people together around the dinner table.

Layers of delectable ingredients promise a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

You can want to dive right into this mouthwatering creation that revamps simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Creamy Beef Noodle Comfort in a Bowl

• This casserole delivers ultimate comfort food with its rich, velvety texture and hearty beef-and-noodle combination that wraps you in warmth.
• Whips up in under an hour with simple ingredients, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Combines multiple taste dimensions through strategically layered ingredients – tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and savory ground beef create a mouthwatering harmony in every single bite.
• Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, approachable ingredients and classic casserole style that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for This Savory Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that creates the main flavor profile of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the beef base, enhances overall taste.

• Egg Noodles: Soft and tender pasta that provides a comforting texture to the dish.

• Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth consistency to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a gooey and satisfying topping.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and intense flavor to the beef mixture.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy undertone to the meat base.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated seasonings that boost flavor complexity.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.

Instructions for a Cozy Weeknight Meal

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and crank the temperature to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Veggies

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onions. Break down the beef into small crumbly pieces while stirring. Cook until the meat turns completely brown and the onions become soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle the minced garlic into the skillet. Stir quickly and let it dance around for about 30 seconds until its amazing aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Create the Savory Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, giving an occasional stir.

Step 5: Boil the Noodles

Fill a pot with water and cook the egg noodles exactly as the package suggests. Drain them thoroughly when done.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Blend everything until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 7: Coat the Noodles

Pour the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture. Gently fold until every noodle is generously covered.

Step 8: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Half of the noodle mixture
• Second layer: Half of the meat sauce
• Third layer: Half of the shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket and the entire dish is heated through.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and watch your family dive in with delight.

Tips for Perfect Noodles and Creamy Sauce

• Crumble Beef Perfectly: Break ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent large, tough chunks.
• Layer with Precision: Create distinct, even layers of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese to guarantee a balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Control Moisture Balance: Drain noodles thoroughly and avoid excess liquid in the meat sauce to prevent a watery casserole texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese fresh for better melting and sprinkle evenly across the top layer to achieve a golden, bubbly surface.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust seasonings at each stage of cooking to build depth of flavor throughout the entire dish.

How to Save Leftovers the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

What Tastes Great With This Bake

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add a fresh crunch.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the beef's robust flavors and match the casserole's hearty profile.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread: Prepare garlic bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with dill and light sour cream dressing to provide a cool, refreshing side that balances the warm, creamy casserole.

Ways to Make It a Little Different

• Spicy Southwest Beef Casserole: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a tablespoon of chili powder to the beef mixture. Replace cottage cheese with pepper jack cheese for an extra zesty flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Beef Noodle Bake: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the recipe. Swap ground beef for ground lamb to enhance the Mediterranean profile.
• Lighter Lean Green Casserole: Use ground turkey instead of beef and mix in chopped spinach for added nutrition. Replace full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese to reduce overall calories.
• Mushroom Lovers' Beef Noodle Casserole: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and beef for an earthy depth. Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for a rich, complex flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly.

Your Noodle Casserole Questions, Solved

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or wide egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

• How long can I store leftovers of this casserole?

You can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Try using lean ground beef, low-fat cottage cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream to decrease the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.

Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets classic cuisine in this hearty Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole, blending rich ground beef, tender egg noodles, and velvety cheese sauce. Warm family memories flow through each comforting bite you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) small curd cottage cheese
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) sour cream
• 8 ounces (227 grams) shredded Colby Jack cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Transform ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, fragmenting the meat while integrating diced onions until the protein browns and vegetables soften, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, stirring briefly until aromatic and releasing its distinctive essence.
4. Introduce tomato sauce and foundational seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer gently on reduced heat, developing rich flavors through occasional stirring for quarter of an hour.
5. Simultaneously orchestrate the egg noodles’ preparation, boiling and draining according to package guidance.
6. Craft a creamy binding by whisking cottage cheese, sour cream, and complementary spices – salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – until uniformly blended.
7. Envelop the freshly cooked noodles within the dairy mixture, ensuring complete and luxurious coverage.
8. Construct the casserole in strategic layers: spread half the noodle foundation, cascade with meat sauce, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese.
9. Replicate the layering sequence, building depth and complexity with remaining ingredients.
10. Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and ingredients to harmonize for approximately 20 minutes.
11. Extract the bubbling, golden casserole and serve immediately for optimal temperature and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by thoroughly browning ground beef and caramelizing onions for deeper taste complexity.
• Create a silky smooth base by gently mixing cottage cheese and sour cream with delicate seasonings.
• Prevent dry casserole by ensuring noodles are well-coated with creamy cheese mixture before layering.
• Layer ingredients strategically to distribute meat sauce and cheese evenly for balanced bites.
• Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking to help layers set and enhance overall texture.
• Elevate dish with optional fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top for added freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg