Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy egg noodles layered with savory ground beef sauce – the ultimate family-friendly comfort bake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Dietary: Kid-friendly, Make-ahead, Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

  • Egg noodles (12 oz) – cooked al dente

  • Ground beef (1 lb)

  • Yellow onion – chopped

  • Garlic – minced (2 cloves)

  • Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz)

  • Diced tomatoes – drained (1 can, 14.5 oz)

  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)

  • Smoked paprika (1 tsp)

  • Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional)

  • Salt & pepper – to taste

  • Sour cream (1 cup)

  • Cottage cheese (1 cup)

  • Parmesan cheese – grated (½ cup)

  • Cheddar cheese – shredded (2 cups)

  • Fresh parsley – chopped (2 tbsp)

  • Olive oil – for tossing noodles

Instructions

  1. Preheat & prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

  2. Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.

  3. Cook beef & aromatics: In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.

  4. Make the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

  5. Mix creamy noodles: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and cooked noodles until well-coated.

  6. Assemble casserole: Layer half the creamy noodle mixture in the baking dish, top with half the beef sauce, and sprinkle with cheddar. Repeat layers, finishing with cheddar on top.

  7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  8. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Quick Notes & Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercook them so they stay firm after baking.

  • Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

  • Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor.

  • Shortcut: Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-chopped onions for faster prep.

Why You’ll Love It

This casserole hits every comfort food note – creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for a Sunday family dinner. Bonus: it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Make the Beefy Sauce

  • Brown ground beef, then sauté with onion and garlic.

  • Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, paprika, and seasonings.

  • Tip: Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

2. Mix the Creamy Noodles

  • Combine noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan.

  • Tip: Use full-fat dairy for extra richness.

3. Layer & Bake

  • Assemble in a 9×13 dish: creamy noodles, beef sauce, cheddar cheese – repeat.

  • Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden on top.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.

  • Dairy: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, higher-protein version.

  • Cheese: Parmesan adds saltiness – you can also add mozzarella for extra stretch.

  • Noodles: Any short pasta (penne, rotini) works if you don’t have egg noodles.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

  • Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

  • Pair it: Serve with garlic bread and a crisp side salad.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Assemble unbaked casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to baking time).

  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes – assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I skip the cottage cheese?
A: Yes – replace it with an equal amount of sour cream or ricotta.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely – use two 9×13 dishes or one deep casserole dish.

Personal Note

This casserole is inspired by the kind of hearty bakes my family would gather around on cold evenings – it’s cozy, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Your turn!
If you make this Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole, leave a review or tag me on social media – I’d love to see your version!

Would you like me to add a simple nutrition breakdown (calories, macros per serving) for this one?
Also – do you want a “Make it one-pot” variation (so it all cooks in one skillet + baking dish)? Or keep it as is for layering?

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