Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and dig in. Imagine tender noodles coated in a rich, savory beef mixture with a melty cheese topping that’s perfectly browned. It’s everything you crave on a chilly evening or when you just want something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, this dish is going to be a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

Ultimate Comfort Food

This casserole is the perfect comfort meal—hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It combines ground beef with tender noodles, melted cheese, and savory seasonings for a dish that’ll hit all the right spots.

Family-Friendly

It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. The kids will love it, and the adults will find it just as irresistible. It’s the kind of dish everyone can agree on, making it a great choice for family dinners or potlucks.

Budget-Friendly

With simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this casserole is both delicious and easy on your wallet. No need for fancy, expensive items—just classic, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something amazing.

Easy to Make

This casserole is super straightforward. You don’t have to worry about complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for a busy night when you need something comforting, fast.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak this recipe based on your tastes. Add in extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or try a different type of cheese. You can even make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper if that’s your thing!

Ingredients

Ready to make this cheesy delight? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ground Beef

The main protein in this dish, the ground beef gives the casserole a savory, satisfying base. It’s seasoned up beautifully to create that irresistible flavor.

Egg Noodles

These tender, slurp-worthy noodles are perfect for casseroles! They hold onto all that cheesy, meaty goodness so you get a bite of everything in each forkful.

Cheddar Cheese

A blend of sharp cheddar cheese adds the melty, gooey factor that will make this casserole extra comforting. You can use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar for a flavor balance.

Sour Cream

Sour cream makes the casserole creamy and adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This pantry staple adds to the creamy texture of the casserole and gives it a nice depth of flavor.

Onion

A small amount of chopped onion adds a savory, aromatic base for the beef mixture. It helps to bring everything together.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

These pantry staples bring a burst of flavor without being overpowering. They’re the secret ingredients that make this casserole taste even better!

Salt and Pepper

For seasoning, you’ll need a pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper to make all the flavors pop.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this cheesy, hearty casserole:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook them since they’ll bake further in the casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in about half of the cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for the topping. This ensures that the cheese melts into the casserole for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese to get that beautiful, melty, golden layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is so comforting and satisfying—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

This cheesy casserole can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a few simple sides:

Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to this rich casserole. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the creamy, cheesy flavors.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are a great way to add some extra color and nutrition to the meal.

Garlic Bread

If you’re looking to take your comfort food experience to the next level, serve this casserole with a slice of buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra cheese and sauce.

Pickles or Olives

If you like a little acidity to cut through the richness of the casserole, serve with a side of tangy pickles or marinated olives.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Add Veggies

You can sneak in some vegetables if you like. Try adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Freeze for Later

This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it in advance and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Make it Extra Cheesy

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to use a blend of your favorite cheeses—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would all be delicious additions.

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken

For a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. It’s a great way to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake it as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes, this casserole freezes really well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the egg noodles for any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A6: Yes, adding veggies like spinach, peas, or even mushrooms will only enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Q7: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
A7: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are great lean options for this casserole, and they’ll work just as well as ground beef.

Q8: Can I skip the sour cream?
A8: You can skip the sour cream, but it does add a creamy texture. If you’d prefer, you could substitute it with Greek yogurt or heavy cream.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture to give it some extra heat.

Q10: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole as directed, then layer it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to in your recipe box. So grab your ingredients and enjoy a big scoop of comfort today!

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