Looking for a warm, cheesy meal that will make your whole family smile? Baked Beef & Noodles is the perfect choice! This comforting casserole combines tender ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, all topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is everything you need for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and sure to please!
Why This Baked Beef & Noodles Is a Must-Try
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is quick and easy, making it a great choice when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses gives it that irresistible cheesy topping everyone loves.
- Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors like beef, pasta, and cheese, this casserole is loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and bake it later, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping or dinner parties.
- Comforting and Hearty: Whether you’re craving a filling dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this casserole has got you covered.
Ingredients for Baked Beef & Noodles
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- The ground beef gives the dish its meaty, savory flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 12 oz egg noodles
- These noodles are soft and sturdy, absorbing the sauce and staying perfectly tender even after baking.
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- Choose marinara for a richer, herbaceous flavor or tomato sauce for a simpler base. Both work wonderfully in this dish.
- 1 cup sour cream
- Sour cream adds a creamy, tangy richness to the casserole, making the dish smoother and more indulgent.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltability, forming a gooey, cheesy topping that’s hard to resist.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan provides a salty, nutty kick that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole and complements the mozzarella.
Flavor-Boosting Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Onion adds sweetness and savory depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Garlic enhances the savory flavors, infusing the beef with a delicious aroma.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic, helping to bring out their natural sweetness and flavors.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- This blend of herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) infuses the casserole with Italian-inspired flavors, enhancing the marinara sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Essential for seasoning, these will help balance the flavors in the dish.
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a light, fresh flavor to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Beef & Noodles
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
6. Prepare the Noodle Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with sour cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat the noodles in the creamy mixture.
7. Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture on top of the noodles.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture and beef mixture.
8. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole, ensuring an even layer of cheese.
9. Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Garlic Bread: For a full comfort food experience, pair this casserole with some crispy garlic bread for dipping.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy side that complements the hearty casserole.
Tips for Perfect Baked Beef & Noodles
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance by assembling it the night before and storing it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even ricotta for a different spin on this classic dish.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a lighter option, lean ground beef or turkey can be substituted in place of regular ground beef.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you like a little heat in your casserole.
Why This Baked Beef & Noodles is a Family Favorite
- Cheesy Comfort: The melted mozzarella and creamy sour cream give this casserole its rich, comforting texture, while the beef adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit!
This Baked Beef & Noodles casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy goodness. It’s simple to make, totally satisfying, and bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!