Beef Noodle Casserole
When you want dinner to stretch without spending much, this beef noodle casserole is a great choice. It’s hearty, filling, and uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
The layers of creamy noodles, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese make it a meal everyone will enjoy. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a budget-friendly dinner ready to go.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly. Made with affordable staples like ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, this casserole stretches your dollar while feeding your family.
- Comforting flavors. Creamy noodles, beef sauce, and melted cheese come together for a cozy, home-style dinner.
- Easy to prepare. After just 15 minutes of prep time, pop it in the oven and relax while it bakes.
- Great for leftovers. It reheats well and makes a tasty next-day meal, perfect for busy weeks.
You’ll find the ingredient list and step-by-step photos below, or you can scroll to the bottom of the post for the full printable recipe.
Beef Noodle Casserole Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Tony’s Seasoning
- Minced Onion
- Onion, Diced
- Tomato Sauce
- Water
- Sugar
- Cream Cheese, Softened
- Sour Cream
- Wide Egg Noodles
- Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded
How To Make Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Dice the onion and boil the noodles in a large pot until al dente.
In a large skillet, add the ground beef, seasonings, and onion, then cook, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
Add in the tomato sauce, water, and sugar, stir.
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add the noodles and toss to coat.
Add ⅓ of the meaty sauce mixture to the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with half the noodles, then sprinkle half the cheese over the top.
Add another third of the meaty sauce over the top.
Then add the rest of the noodles. Spread the rest of the meaty sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Beef Noodle Casserole (Cheap & Easy Dinner)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Tony's seasoning
- 1 tsp minced onion
- 1 small onion diced
- 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 16 oz sour cream
- 16 oz wide egg noodles
- 8 oz colby jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Dice the onion.
- Boil the noodles in a large pot until al dente.
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef, seasonings, and onion, then cook, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
- Add in the tomato sauce, water, and sugar, stir.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream together. Add the noodles and toss to coat.
- Add ⅓ of the meaty sauce mixture to the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with half the noodles, then sprinkle half the cheese over the top.
- Add another third of the meaty sauce over the top, then the rest of the noodles. Spread the rest of the meaty sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Ground Beef Noodle Casserole FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready, bake according to the directions, but since it will be cold from the fridge, you may need to check for doneness and add a little extra time until the center is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
Can I freeze this beef noodle casserole?
You can freeze it, but keep in mind the cream cheese and sour cream may give the sauce a slightly grainy texture once thawed. If that doesn’t bother you, wrap the unbaked casserole well and freeze it for up to 3 months.
For optimal texture, enjoy it fresh or make it one day ahead and keep it refrigerated instead of frozen.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and hold up nicely, but rotini, penne, or any short pasta will work. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy once baked.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Colby Jack melts well, but cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses are all good substitutes.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well since the casserole itself is hearty and filling.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both are good options. Season a little more generously, as ground poultry is milder in flavor.
