Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole is made with egg noodles, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. It is a simple dinner that is easy to put together on busy weeknights.
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This is an easy ground beef casserole recipe for family dinners and can also serve it for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or casual family gatherings.
And for more casserole recipes, the recipes below are worth trying:
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole Side Dish
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Egg Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the egg noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef. While the noodles cook, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess grease.
Step 4: Add the onion and garlic. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 5: Make the tomato sauce mixture. Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 6: Combine with the noodles. Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated with the beef and tomato sauce.
Step 7: Layer the casserole. Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining noodle mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 8: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Step 9: Serve. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it onto plates and enjoy while the cheese is still warm.
Important Recipe Notes
- Cook the noodles just until tender: Follow the package directions and avoid overcooking them, as they will be mixed with the sauce and baked afterward.
- Drain the ground beef: Remove excess grease after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Drain the diced tomatoes: This helps prevent extra liquid from making the casserole watery.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts well and gives the casserole a smooth, cheesy topping.
- Layer the ingredients evenly: Divide the noodle mixture and cheese into two layers so every serving has a good balance of beef, pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Check before serving: Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it rest before cutting: Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking so it is easier to scoop and serve.
Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef. While the noodles cook, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make the tomato sauce mixture. Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Combine with the noodles. Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated with the beef and tomato sauce.
- Layer the casserole. Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining noodle mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it onto plates and enjoy while the cheese is still warm.
