Some meals just hug you from the inside, and this ground beef casserole with egg noodles is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you slow down, sit at the table a little longer, and maybe even ask for seconds despite feeling a bit too full already. The kitchen fills with the warm scent of simmering tomato sauce mingled with garlic and herbs—something that instantly makes the house feel like home.
I remember the first time I made this casserole. I was a little distracted—half paying attention to the noodles boiling over while texting a friend—and somehow the timing still came together. That imperfect moment made the dinner feel even more real, less like a recipe and more like a shared experience. The cheese melted unevenly, some parts bubbling more than others, creating crispy edges that I couldn’t resist picking at before the rest of the family sat down.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s hearty and satisfying without being complicated—sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
- The layers of noodles, beef, and cheese create a comforting texture that sticks with you.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for busy nights when you still want a home-cooked meal.
- It’s family-friendly, but not so plain that adults won’t enjoy it too.
- The tradeoff? It’s not the fastest dinner, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Feeling a little unsure about casseroles? Don’t worry, this one’s forgiving. It’s easy to prep ahead or tweak the flavors to your liking without stressing out.
PrintGround Beef Casserole with Egg Noodles
A hearty and comforting ground beef casserole layered with tender egg noodles, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces wide egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked egg noodles and the ground beef tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
Transfer half of the noodle and beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer.
Add the remaining noodle and beef mixture on top, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to pull this off—just a good baking dish and a reliable stove. I usually serve it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness. If you want to switch things up, you could swap the ground beef for ground turkey or add some mushrooms for extra earthiness. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach right before baking, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly, so results might vary. Also, if you like a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can liven it up without overpowering the dish.
FAQ:
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to three months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat? Microwaving individual portions for a minute or two works great, or warm the whole dish in the oven if you prefer.
Can I make it vegetarian? You could try substituting plant-based ground beef alternatives, though I haven’t personally tried it.
Give this casserole a try tonight and discover how a simple meal can turn an ordinary evening into something a little cozier. Don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you want dinner that feels like a warm hug.