Some dishes just stick with you long after the meal is over, and this ground beef casserole with egg noodles is one of those. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with a cozy, familiar aroma—tomatoes simmering with garlic, bubbling cheese melting on top. I remember the first time I made it; I was juggling a distracted toddler and a phone call, so the noodles ended up a little softer than intended. But honestly? It didn’t matter. The mix of tender noodles and savory beef was so comforting, it felt like a warm hug on a plate.

The texture of the noodles, somewhere between chewy and soft, paired with that rich tomato sauce, creates a satisfying bite every time. The melted cheese on top adds a gooey finish that makes you want to grab seconds before anyone else gets to it. It’s got just enough seasoning to keep things interesting without overwhelming those familiar, homey flavors.

It’s a one-dish meal that saves you from cleaning a dozen pots and pans.
The balance between tender noodles and hearty beef means it’s filling but not heavy.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort.
Great for meal prep, though the leftovers might disappear faster than you expect.

If you’re feeling unsure about combining noodles and beef in a casserole, this recipe gently proves it’s a winning combo. And if you like your meals with a little less sauce, you can always tweak it to your taste without losing the essence of what makes it so satisfying.

Ground Beef Casserole with Egg Noodles

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting ground beef casserole made with tender egg noodles, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles and the ground beef tomato mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Don’t worry about fancy equipment here; a basic skillet and a baking dish are all you need. I like serving this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness. Sometimes I toss in a handful of mushrooms or swap out one type of cheese for another—though I haven’t tested every combo, it usually turns out just fine. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the simmering step and mix everything straight into the dish before baking, but I think letting the flavors meld a bit first makes a difference.

FAQ

Can I use different pasta? Egg noodles work best for texture, but wide pasta shapes like rigatoni might work in a pinch.

Is this freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I make it vegetarian? You could swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles, but the flavor will change quite a bit.

Ready to make something cozy and satisfying? This casserole is waiting for you—it’s easy to pull together and even easier to love.