Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake: The Ultimate Cozy Family Dinner

There are some dinners that just feel like home—and this Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake is exactly that. It’s rich, saucy, layered with melty cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling around the edges. The kind of dish you pull from the oven and instantly hear, “Wow, that smells amazing!”

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something hearty, dependable, and guaranteed to satisfy. One bite in, and I knew it was a keeper. It’s comforting without being complicated—and honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

If cozy casseroles and family-style comfort meals are your thing, make sure you subscribe to receive this recipe by email. You’ll want this one saved.

Overview of This Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole

This baked casserole features seasoned ground beef simmered in rich tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and layers of creamy, melty cheese. Everything bakes together into one cohesive, comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Extra cheesy and ultra comforting

• 🍝 Simple pantry-friendly ingredients

• 🥩 Hearty enough to feed a crowd

• ❄️ Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

• 💛 Perfect for weeknights or potlucks

It’s the kind of casserole that disappears fast—trust me.

What It Tastes Like

Savory, well-seasoned beef in a thick tomato sauce. Tender noodles that soak up all that flavor. Creamy pockets from the sour cream layer. And that golden, bubbly cheese on top? Absolute perfection.

The smell when this comes out of the oven is incredible—rich tomato, garlic, and melted cheese filling the whole kitchen.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein

• Easy to customize

• Budget-friendly

• Make-ahead option

• Crowd-pleasing classic

Ingredients You’ll Need

🥩 Beef Layer

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce

• ¼ cup beef broth or water

🍝 Noodle Layer

• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or rotini)

• Salted water for boiling

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional)

🧀 Cheese Layer

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, but creamy!)

• ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)

🌿 Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Extra cracked black pepper

Necessary Tools

• Large pot (for noodles)

• Large skillet

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Add Vegetables

• Spinach

• Mushrooms

• Bell peppers

• Zucchini

Switch the Protein

• Ground turkey

• Italian sausage

• Half beef, half sausage for extra flavor

Cheese Variations

• Provolone

• Monterey Jack

• Gouda

How to Make Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole

Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake: The Ultimate Cozy Family Dinner

There are some dinners that just feel like home—and this Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake is exactly that. It’s rich, saucy, layered with melty cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling around the edges. The kind of dish you pull from the oven and instantly hear, “Wow, that smells amazing!”

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something hearty, dependable, and guaranteed to satisfy. One bite in, and I knew it was a keeper. It’s comforting without being complicated—and honestly, it tastes even better the next day.

If cozy casseroles and family-style comfort meals are your thing, make sure you subscribe to receive this recipe by email. You’ll want this one saved.

Overview of This Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole

This baked casserole features seasoned ground beef simmered in rich tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and layers of creamy, melty cheese. Everything bakes together into one cohesive, comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Extra cheesy and ultra comforting

• 🍝 Simple pantry-friendly ingredients

• 🥩 Hearty enough to feed a crowd

• ❄️ Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

• 💛 Perfect for weeknights or potlucks

It’s the kind of casserole that disappears fast—trust me.

What It Tastes Like

Savory, well-seasoned beef in a thick tomato sauce. Tender noodles that soak up all that flavor. Creamy pockets from the sour cream layer. And that golden, bubbly cheese on top? Absolute perfection.

The smell when this comes out of the oven is incredible—rich tomato, garlic, and melted cheese filling the whole kitchen.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein

• Easy to customize

• Budget-friendly

• Make-ahead option

• Crowd-pleasing classic

Ingredients You’ll Need

🥩 Beef Layer

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce

• ¼ cup beef broth or water

🍝 Noodle Layer

• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or rotini)

• Salted water for boiling

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional)

🧀 Cheese Layer

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, but creamy!)

• ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)

🌿 Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Extra cracked black pepper

Necessary Tools

• Large pot (for noodles)

• Large skillet

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Add Vegetables

• Spinach

• Mushrooms

• Bell peppers

• Zucchini

Switch the Protein

• Ground turkey

• Italian sausage

• Half beef, half sausage for extra flavor

Cheese Variations

• Provolone

• Monterey Jack

• Gouda

How to Make Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole