Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef noodle casserole brings together the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, sweet corn, and melty cheddar cheese in a rich tomato sauce. This ultimate comfort food delivers incredible flavor while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. The robust seasoning blend transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul on even the coldest evenings.

Recipe Highlights

  • Genuine comfort food that satisfies those deep cravings for something hearty and homemade
  • Perfect weeknight solution when you need dinner ready in under 45 minutes
  • Wonderfully adaptable to whatever ingredients you currently have in your pantry
  • Budget friendly meal that stretches your grocery dollar without sacrificing flavor
  • Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day

I made this casserole last Tuesday when time was tight between soccer practice and homework help. The aroma filled our kitchen and brought everyone to the table without the usual reminders. My husband went back for seconds and then asked if there would be enough for his lunch the next day. The empty dish answered that question better than I could!

Ingredient Selection

  • Ground beef provides the hearty foundation with its rich flavor and satisfying texture that stands up beautifully to the sauce
  • Yellow onion adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth that develops during cooking and complements the beef perfectly
  • Fresh garlic cloves contribute essential pungent notes that elevate the entire dish from simple to spectacular
  • Dried oregano infuses Mediterranean warmth throughout each bite with its earthy undertones
  • Sweet basil brings a delicate pepper note that pairs wonderfully with the tomato elements
  • Dried parsley introduces subtle freshness that balances the richness of the other ingredients
  • Black pepper adds necessary warmth and mild heat that enhances all other flavors without overpowering
  • Tomato sauce creates the silky base that binds everything together with bright acidity and natural sweetness
  • Petite diced tomatoes introduce lovely texture variation and concentrated flavor bursts throughout the casserole
  • Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor while adding necessary moisture for perfect sauce consistency
  • Whole kernel corn provides sweet pops of color and texture that balance the savory elements beautifully
  • Egg noodles offer the ideal shape and texture to capture the flavorful sauce in every bite
  • Sharp cheddar cheese creates an irresistible golden topping while adding rich creaminess throughout the dish

Cooking Process

Prepare The Protein Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains in the beef and onions turn translucent and tender. This usually takes about 8 minutes with occasional stirring for even browning.

Enhance With Aromatics Once meat has browned, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown. Carefully drain excess fat from the pan by tilting it while holding back meat with a spatula. Return skillet to heat and add all dried herbs and seasonings, stirring well to distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture.

Create The Sauce Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth into the seasoned meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Add drained corn and mix gently. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Cover the skillet and allow flavors to meld for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain saucy enough to coat noodles.

Prepare The Noodles While sauce simmers, fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water before adding egg noodles. Cook according to package directions but aim for al dente texture as they will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Test by tasting a noodle for tender but firm texture. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to help sauce adhere better.

Complete The Casserole Add two cups of shredded cheddar directly to the hot meat sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Gently fold in the drained egg noodles, making sure they become thoroughly coated with the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle remaining cup of cheddar evenly across the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and remove from heat, allowing residual warmth to melt the cheese topping to perfection. Let stand for five minutes before serving for optimal texture.

You Must Know

  • Cooking the beef properly is crucial for both safety and texture in this casserole
  • Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre shredded varieties creates a smoother, more flavorful sauce
  • The pasta cooking time significantly impacts the final texture of your casserole
  • Adjusting liquid levels based on how you like your casserole consistency makes a huge difference
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving allows flavors to develop and textures to set properly

My grandmother always insisted on using block cheese and shredding it ourselves for this recipe. The first time I tried using pre shredded cheese from the store, everyone noticed the difference immediately. The anti caking agents prevent it from melting properly, creating a grainy texture instead of that velvety sauce we love. Now I keep blocks of sharp cheddar specifically for this dish.

Perfect Comfort Food

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of beef noodle casserole when comfort food cravings strike. The combination of tender noodles and savory beef delivers that satisfying mouthfeel we associate with homecooked care. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness. The layers of flavor build with each bite, revealing the careful seasoning that elevates this dish beyond simple convenience food to something truly crave worthy.

Family Friendly Meal

This casserole consistently ranks among the most requested dishes in households with children and picky eaters. The familiar ingredients and appealing texture make it approachable even for hesitant eaters. Kids particularly enjoy the sweet corn kernels and cheesy topping. Parents appreciate the complete nutritional profile with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all incorporated into one simple dish. The leftovers pack beautifully in lunch containers for school or work the next day.

Budget Conscious Option

With rising grocery prices, this beef noodle casserole offers exceptional value while delivering restaurant quality flavor. Ground beef remains one of the more affordable protein options, especially when stretched with pasta and vegetables. The ingredients store well, allowing you to stock up when sales occur without worry about spoilage. One batch typically provides multiple meals for a family of four, making the cost per serving remarkably economical without sacrificing satisfaction or nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments that balance its richness. A crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette provides welcome contrast to the warm, cheesy main dish. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls offer perfect vehicles for capturing every last bit of the flavorful sauce. For more elegant presentations, serve individual portions in wide, shallow bowls topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Customizing Options

Transform this versatile recipe to suit your family preferences or pantry contents with simple substitutions. Ground turkey creates a lighter version with subtle flavor differences that some prefer to traditional beef. Italian sausage introduces wonderful spice notes for more adventurous palates. Experiment with pasta varieties from traditional egg noodles to fun shapes like bowties or spirals that children particularly enjoy. Add mushrooms for earthy depth or bell peppers for sweet crunch and vibrant color throughout the dish.

Preservation Methods

Keep this delicious casserole fresh by storing properly after cooling completely. Refrigerate portions in shallow containers to maintain food safety standards and preserve texture. The flavors actually improve overnight as ingredients meld together in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and most consistent texture in every bite.

Chef Helpful Tips

  • Allow cheese to come to room temperature before adding to the hot mixture for smoothest melting and sauce consistency
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce thickness if needed during the final mixing stage
  • Cook onions until truly translucent before adding garlic to develop the sweetest flavor foundation for your sauce

This beef noodle casserole reminds me why simple food often creates the strongest memories. The recipe has evolved slightly through years in my kitchen, but that first bite always transports me back to childhood dinners around our family table. The magic lies not in complicated techniques but in allowing quality ingredients to shine through thoughtful preparation. When life gets hectic, this reliable favorite never fails to bring everyone together with satisfied smiles and empty plates.

Beef Noodle Casserole
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Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef noodle casserole is a hearty, delicious, and easy ground beef recipe. It features seasoned ground beef in a savory tomato sauce, corn, egg noodles, and cheddar cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Beef Noodle Casserole, Ground Beef Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Casserole, Family Dinner
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 835kcal
Author DriftRecipes

Ingredients

  • Amount | Unit | Name | Notes
  • 1 lb | Ground beef |
  • 1 | Medium onion | Diced
  • 2 | Garlic cloves | Minced
  • 1 tsp | Oregano | Dried
  • 1 tsp | Basil | Dried
  • 1 tsp | Dried parsley |
  • ½ tsp | Black pepper |
  • 1 can 15 oz | Tomato sauce |
  • 1 can 14.5 oz | Petite diced tomatoes |
  • 1 cup | Beef broth |
  • 1 can 15 oz | Whole kernel corn | Drained
  • 8 oz | Egg noodles |
  • 2 ½ cups | Sharp cheddar cheese | Shredded divided

Instructions

  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are tender. Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Drain excess fat and return to the skillet. Add seasonings and stir.
  • Add the Tomato, Corn, and Cheese: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and corn. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cups of cheese and stir to combine.
  • Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water over medium-high heat. Cook egg noodles according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse.
  • Combine Everything: Mix cooked noodles into the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover until the cheese melts. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Tips: Don’t overcook the beef to keep it tender. Cook noodles to al dente to prevent breakage. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
  • Variations: Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef. Add diced jalapeños and chorizo for a Tex-Mex version. Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar-jack. Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

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