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

How to Make Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole

1. Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.

Drain and toss lightly with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Brown the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.

Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease.

Stir in:

• Salt

• Pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Paprika

• Red pepper flakes

Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Pour in marinara sauce and broth. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and rich.

3. Prepare the Creamy Layer (Optional but Recommended!)

In a bowl, mix together:

• Sour cream

• Ricotta or cottage cheese

This adds a creamy layer that balances the rich meat sauce beautifully.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer in this order:

1. Thin layer of beef sauce

2. Half of the noodles

3. Half of the creamy cheese mixture

4. Half of the beef sauce

5. Half of the shredded cheeses

Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Top with remaining cheese.

Optional: Sprinkle crushed crackers or buttered breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets properly.

What to Serve with This Casserole

• 🥖 Garlic bread

• 🥗 Fresh green salad

• 🥦 Roasted vegetables

• 🧄 Cheesy breadsticks

Tips for the Best Casserole

Undercook the Noodles

They finish cooking in the oven.

Simmer the Sauce

Letting it thicken prevents a watery casserole.

Rest Before Serving

This helps the layers hold together.

Make It Ahead

Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze baked or unbaked up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat at 350°F covered, or microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

General Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour

• Servings: 6–8

• Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without ricotta or sour cream?

Yes! Simply skip the creamy layer. It will still be delicious.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely—rotini, penne, or shells work well.

Why is my casserole watery?

Your sauce may not have simmered long enough, or the noodles were overcooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use two 9×13 dishes or one larger roasting pan.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 3g

(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)

Conclusion: Comfort Food Done Right

This Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake is everything a comfort meal should be—rich, hearty, simple, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them there just a little longer.

Layer it generously. Bake it until bubbly. Serve it warm.