Beef Noodle Casserole (Print Version)
Tender beef and egg noodles in a rich tomato-cheddar bake, creamy and comforting - perfect for weeknight family dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 bell pepper, diced
→ Sauces and Liquids
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1/2 cup beef broth
→ Pasta
08 - 8 ounces egg noodles
→ Dairy
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish (Optional)
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until vegetables are softened.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat. Add cooked noodles and sour cream, mixing gently until well combined.
07 - Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
08 - Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole surface.
09 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbling.
10 - Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top before serving, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- By the time you lift the lid on the bubbling dish, the kitchen will smell like a hidden diner serving comfort by the spoonful.
- It balances creamy, tangy, savory, and cheesy in one package, plus it’s impossible to resist another scoop.
02 -
- Don’t be tempted to skip draining the beef or your casserole may end up too greasy—I regretted it my first rushed attempt.
- Swapping in extra sour cream or cheese doesn’t always mean better; balance is everything for that perfect spoonful.
03 -
- Taste your sauce before baking—it’s the last moment to tweak salt and seasoning.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of background warmth—it won’t overpower, just wakes up the flavors.