Beef Noodle Casserole (Printable)

Baked beef and egg noodles in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar—simple, family-friendly comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 bell pepper, diced

→ Sauces and Liquids

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1/2 cup beef broth

→ Pasta

08 - 8 ounces egg noodles

→ Dairy

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How-to Steps:

01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow to preheat.
02 - Boil egg noodles in a saucepan according to package directions; drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and return beef to skillet.
04 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with liquid, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer mixture for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Fold in cooked noodles and sour cream until evenly combined.
07 - Transfer the beef and noodle mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer.
08 - Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and cheese is melted.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving if desired.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • This casserole needs just one pan before baking, making cleanup a breeze for busy nights.
  • The creamy, cheesy topping makes each bite rich yet down-to-earth, the way real comfort food should be.
02 -
  • If you rush the noodle step, they’ll break apart while mixing—give them a quick rinse before tossing in.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving gives the flavors a chance to settle and slices hold together much better.
03 -
  • Underbake it by a minute or two—you can always broil for a bubbling finish, but you can’t undo dryness.
  • A dusting of paprika or smoked salt on top before baking adds a little something special.