This Beef Noodle Casserole is a quick and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like lean ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, this casserole is easy to prepare and ready in just over 30 minutes. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s both filling and flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 cups uncooked egg noodles

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ medium onion, chopped

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheddar blend (or just use cheddar)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set the rack to the top third of the oven.

2. Cook the noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain them and transfer to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.

4. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, spoon it out. Then, stir in the marinara sauce and warm through.

5. Pour the beef mixture over the noodles in the casserole dish. Add half of the cheese and toss together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Spread the mixture evenly and top with the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. For a crispy top, broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: Approx. 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Potassium: 400mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 400 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 220mg

• Iron: 3mg

A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy Nights

One of the biggest draws of Beef Noodle Casserole is its simplicity. Unlike more complicated dishes that require a long cooking process or multiple ingredients, this casserole uses just a handful of items that you likely already have on hand. The combination of lean ground beef, marinara sauce, egg noodles, and cheese is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone who needs a meal that can be prepared quickly. The entire dish can be made in just over 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those hectic nights when you don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen but still want a hearty and delicious meal.

The Hearty Base of Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce

At the heart of Beef Noodle Casserole is the rich, flavorful combination of lean ground beef and marinara sauce. The ground beef provides a satisfying, protein-packed base for the dish, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy, savory depth of flavor. The beef is browned in a skillet with onions and garlic, infusing the meat with aromatic flavors that complement the tomato-based sauce. Whether you use homemade marinara or store-bought, the sauce is a key component of the casserole, as it binds all the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to give the dish a slight kick, though the casserole is just as delicious without it for a milder flavor.

The Comforting Role of Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are a classic choice for casseroles, and in Beef Noodle Casserole, they provide the perfect balance to the hearty meat sauce. The soft, tender texture of egg noodles contrasts beautifully with the richness of the beef and marinara sauce. The noodles are cooked just slightly underdone before being combined with the beef mixture, which helps them absorb the flavors of the sauce as the casserole bakes. The result is a comforting, satisfying dish where every bite is filled with a balance of flavors and textures. The noodles also act as a sturdy base, holding the beef and sauce in place as the casserole cooks, ensuring that each serving has a little bit of everything.

A Layer of Melty Cheese for Extra Flavor

What’s a casserole without cheese? In Beef Noodle Casserole, the addition of a mozzarella-cheddar blend adds both flavor and creaminess to the dish. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top that’s sure to please anyone who loves a cheesy meal. When baked, the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, adding a rich, indulgent layer that takes the casserole to the next level. The blend of mozzarella and cheddar offers a combination of mild and sharp flavors, ensuring that the cheese complements the savory beef and marinara sauce without overpowering them. For extra indulgence, you can add more cheese or even experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or Parmesan, for a unique twist on the classic.

Customization and Versatility

One of the best things about Beef Noodle Casserole is its versatility. While the recipe as written is delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a different type of pasta, you can swap out the egg noodles for penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape you have on hand. You can also modify the cheese blend to include your favorite varieties, such as gouda or mozzarella with a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor. If you want to make the casserole heartier, consider adding vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. These vegetables can be sautéed with the onions and garlic, adding both flavor and nutrition to the dish.

For those looking for a lighter option, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef. You can also make this dish vegetarian by replacing the meat with a plant-based alternative or by using a hearty vegetable sauce. With its simple base, Beef Noodle Casserole can be easily adjusted to accommodate various dietary needs, making it a flexible choice for different preferences.

Great for Leftovers

Beef Noodle Casserole is not only delicious when first made, but it also makes for great leftovers. The flavors continue to meld together as the casserole sits, and the noodles absorb more of the savory sauce, making each bite even more flavorful the next day. This makes it an ideal meal to prepare in advance or for meal prep. You can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, the casserole retains its comforting qualities and is just as satisfying the second time around. For a fresh twist, you can even serve the leftovers with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.

A Family-Friendly Meal

Beef Noodle Casserole is a dish that everyone in the family can enjoy. Its combination of meat, pasta, sauce, and cheese is universally appealing, making it a great choice for picky eaters or those with varying tastes. The cheesy, saucy nature of the casserole makes it a hit with kids, while the savory flavors of the beef and marinara sauce will satisfy adults as well. It’s a meal that is easy to prepare in large batches, ensuring that there’s enough to go around for everyone, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or dinner parties. Its simplicity and flavor make it a meal that will have the whole family coming back for seconds.

A Meal on a Budget

Another great aspect of Beef Noodle Casserole is its affordability. The ingredients—ground beef, marinara sauce, noodles, and cheese—are all relatively inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option for families. You don’t need to buy expensive cuts of meat or fancy ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The dish is easy to prepare in large quantities, so you can stretch your ingredients to feed a big family or to have plenty of leftovers for the next day. With its low cost and high yield, Beef Noodle Casserole is the perfect meal for those who want to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Nutritional Benefits

While Beef Noodle Casserole is undeniably a comfort food, it also offers a good balance of nutrients. The lean ground beef provides a source of high-quality protein, while the mozzarella and cheddar cheese contribute calcium and additional protein. The egg noodles offer carbohydrates, which provide energy to fuel the body. Additionally, the casserole is a good source of potassium and iron, two important minerals for overall health. While the dish is relatively high in calories and fat, it can be made lighter by using leaner meats or reduced-fat cheese. Pairing the casserole with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad can help round out the meal, adding more fiber and nutrients to your plate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that delivers both flavor and convenience. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and satisfying flavors, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need a quick and hearty meal. The combination of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheese creates a meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for your family, a potluck, or a casual gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Its versatility, affordability, and ease of preparation make it a go-to meal for any occasion. Give Beef Noodle Casserole a try, and you’ll have a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.