Easy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

This Easy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole is made of flavorful ground beef, a savory sauce with seasonings and noodles. This satisfying dish is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it up with my cheese-stuffed garlic bread and enjoy!

Looking for other easy weeknight casserole with noodles? Taco Spaghetti, Chicken Noodle Casserole, Pepperoni Pizza Casserole and this Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole would be great dinners to add to your weekly roundup!

Growing up, my mom made a casserole like this one and it was always a favorite that I love to eat leftover the next day because it was so tasty reheated.

It’s perfectly kid-friendly and even the pickiest easter will ask for seconds. Pair it with my parmesan bread bites and you’ll really win them over!

Why You’ll Love This Noodle Ground Beef Casserole

• It’s easy to make! – This recipe is easy to follow and can be made by cooks of all skill levels. If you’re new to cooking dinner recipes, this is the perfect beginner meal!
• Hearty Comfort Food –  It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Cheesy Goodness –  Layers of cheddar cheese provide a gooey and delicious topping. 
• Make-Ahead –  You can prep it in advance and bake it when needed, saving time on those hectic days.
• Leftovers –  It reheats well, and sometimes tastes even better the next day! I’ve even seen my kids sneak beef and egg noodle casserole cold from the fridge!

Ingredients & Substitutions

We love this simple yet delicious casserole! Made with pantry staples, you’ll likely have many in the house already when you set out to make this cheesy casserole on a busy weeknight.

• Medium Noodles – The medium noodles serve as the hearty base of this casserole. They give this hamburger casserole a comforting and filling texture. You can use wide egg noodles as well as other pasta shapes like rotini, macaroni or penne if you prefer.
• Ground Beef –  Ground beef is a rich source of protein and adds a savory, meaty flavor to this delicious comfort food. I used 80/20 ground beef but you can use leftover ground beef, lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a leaner option, or you can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar cheese adds a deliciously gooey and melty layer to the top of the casserole. You can use other best melting cheeses like mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese as substitutes.
• Worcestershire Sauce –  Worcestershire sauce infuses a deep, umami flavor into this delicious recipe. It’s a key ingredient for adding depth to the meat sauce. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or steak sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes contribute a natural sweetness and a slightly acidic tang to the sauce. They also balance the richness of the beef. I used fire-roasted diced tomatoes but you can use canned crushed tomatoes, a rich tomato sauce, or fresh diced tomatoes as a substitute if they’re in season.
• Pasta Sauce – The pasta sauce is the flavor-packed base of the sauce. It adds a savory and well-seasoned element to this cheesy beef noodle casserole. You can use marinara, tomato, or your favorite pasta sauce. Also, feel free to use homemade sauce for a personal touch.
• Beef Stock –  Beef stock enriches the sauce and intensifies the beefy flavor. You can substitute it with chicken or vegetable stock, or use water if you are in a pinch.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder – Both onion and garlic powders add savory and aromatic flavors to the recipe without the need for chopping and sautéing fresh onions and garlic. Substitute them with finely chopped fresh onions and garlic if you prefer a more intense aroma. You can also add in a diced green pepper, and green onions for added flavor and garnish.
• Salt and Pepper –  Salt enhances the overall flavors in the casserole, while black pepper adds a subtle kick.

How to Make this Ground Beef Casserole with Noodles

STEP 1 – Begin by cooking the medium noodles according to the package directions. Once they turn al dente or reach your desired tenderness, drain and set them aside for later use.

STEP 2 – In a generously sized skillet or frying pan, place the ground beef over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked. Also, be sure to drain any excess oil.

STEP 3 – To the browned ground beef, add the onion powder, garlic powder,Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes so that the spices infuse into the meat.

STEP 4 – Add Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and beef stock. Stir this meat mixture well and let it simmer for a few minutes. This simmering period lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

STEP 5 – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread half of the tender egg noodles, creating an even layer at the bottom.

STEP 6 – Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the layer of noodles. Sprinkle 1 1⁄2 cups of cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat this step by adding another layer of cooked noodles.

STEP 7 – Pour the remaining meat sauce over the second noodle layer and top it off with another layer of evenly spread cheddar cheese.

STEP 8 – Carefully place the baking dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30 minutes or until the ground beef noodle casserole is heated through, and the cheese on top is melted.

STEP 9 – Once your hamburger noodle casserole is done, take it out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes, and enjoy this hot dish with a side salad, green beans, or your favorite side dishes! A sprinkle of chopped green onions can add another layer of flavor to individual servings too, if desired.

Variations

Change up the protein – You can change this recipe up by using ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Switch up the spices – Add different spices like Italian seasoning and herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

Add a topping – You can also top it with breadcrumbs before baking.

Veggies anyone? – You can add it so many different veggies in this ground beef casserole. Canned or frozen peas, corn, carrots, green beans will add a little extra goodness to it.

Sandra’s Top Tips for Making this Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole

Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for best results. Pre-shredded cheese has additional ingredients that cause the cheese to not melt as well.

Don’t overcook the noodles! Cook the noodles just until al dente! They will continue to cook during the baking time and will soften even more.

Make it your own and customize with what you have on hand by changing the veggies. Onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, carrots, and celery are great options. I recommend pre cooking your vegetables before adding them to the casserole.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it unbaked. Let it come just to room temperature before putting into the oven. and you might need to add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze leftover beef noodle casserole. It freezes very well for up to 2-3 months. Cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Instructions

Cover and reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree F oven until it’s warmed through. If it is dried out, add a splash of stock or water to it and cover with aluminum foil before reheating it in the oven.

Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.

Related: How to Reheat a Casserole

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