Beef Noodle Casserole
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
A hearty, cheesy casserole of egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce. An easy, budget-friendly comfort dinner that the whole family digs into.
By Mia HartwellUpdated September 29, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Cheesy, creamy beef-and-noodle comfort
- Feeds six on a budget
- Make-ahead friendly
- A guaranteed family favorite
Beef Noodle Casserole
50 min totalServes 6
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 540kcal
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbs
- 50g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 3g
- Sugar
- 7g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles 1 minute short of al dente, then drain.
- 2
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high, about 7 minutes; drain. Add the onion and cook 3 minutes, then the garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the marinara and Italian seasoning. Confirm the beef reached 160°F (71°C).
- 3
In a bowl, stir the softened cream cheese and sour cream together.
- 4
In a baking dish, layer half the noodles, the cream cheese mixture, the remaining noodles, and the meat sauce.
- 5
Top with the shredded cheese.
- 6
Bake 22-28 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 5 minutes and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Undercook the noodles by a minute since they finish in the oven.
- Soften the cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the sour cream.
- Drain the beef so the casserole isn't greasy.
- Let it rest a few minutes so it sets enough to scoop.
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How to Cook Beef Noodle Casserole
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Par-cook the noodles
Boil the egg noodles a minute short of al dente, since they finish cooking and absorb sauce in the oven. Fully cooked noodles would turn mushy.
Build the layers
Brown and drain the beef and simmer it with marinara, then layer the noodles with a creamy cream cheese-sour cream mixture and the meat sauce. The creamy layer is what makes this casserole rich and comforting.
Top and bake
Blanket the top with cheese and bake until bubbling and golden. A short rest lets the layers set so each serving holds together on the plate.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; reheat covered with a splash of milk. The assembled casserole freezes well for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This beef noodle casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble it ahead?+
Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to a day, then bake (adding a few minutes from cold).
Can I use ground turkey?+
Yes — cook it to 165°F (74°C) and add a little extra oil since it's leaner.
What cheese is best?+
Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella melts gooey — or use a blend of both.
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