Beef Noodle Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese.
Why We Love This Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to adore this Beef Noodle Casserole. First, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it an excellent weeknight meal option. You can have your supper on the table in less than an hour. Additionally, this casserole is a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup for you afterward.
The combination of flavors in Beef Noodle Casserole is unbeatable. You have the savory notes of ground beef, the comforting texture of egg noodles, the tang of marinara sauce, and, of course, the melted cheese that ties everything together harmoniously. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill you up; it feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing for a potluck, this hearty casserole ticks all the right boxes. Plus, the opportunity to customize the ingredients allows you to make it your own.
Ingredients about Beef Noodle Casserole
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential ingredients you’ll need for this dish. Here’s what you’ll require to create your Beef Noodle Casserole:
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 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)
Having all your ingredients ready ensures a smooth cooking experience and helps maintain your momentum in the kitchen.
How to Make Beef Noodle Casserole Directions
Creating your Beef Noodle Casserole involves a few straightforward steps that will lead to a delicious end product.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Ensure you move the oven rack to the top third of the oven, as this will help the cheese get that perfect melty top you desire.
Cook the egg noodles in boiling water, but remember to do so for one or two minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This means you’ll end up with noodles that are perfectly al dente after baking. Once done, drain them and transfer to a 9×13 casserole dish.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef. As the beef cooks (which will take about 8-10 minutes), break it up with a spoon or spatula to ensure it cooks through evenly.
After the meat is browned, stir in the minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. If there is an excess of fat in the skillet, carefully spoon most of it out.
Pour in the marinara sauce and warm it through, mixing it with the beef mixture.
Now comes the fun part: Combine this savory mixture with the drained egg noodles in the casserole dish, adding half of the shredded cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and spread it out in an even layer.
Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top. Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbling to golden perfection.
For an added touch, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes to achieve a lovely browned top, but be vigilant so it doesn’t burn.
Now your Beef Noodle Casserole is ready to impress!
How to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole
Serving Beef Noodle Casserole is as easy as preparing it. You’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven to allow it to set a bit. This will help each serving hold its shape when you cut it.
Scoop generous portions onto your plates and consider pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for some added freshness. A good option is to serve it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, as it complements the rich flavors of the casserole. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, you can also serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Don’t forget to share with family and friends – this casserole is perfect for gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Expert Tips: Beef Noodle Casserole
To ensure your Beef Noodle Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: As mentioned, cooking the egg noodles for less time than recommended is crucial. If you overcook them, they can become mushy after baking.
- Lean Ground Beef is Best: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. If you end up with too much fat after cooking, make sure to drain it before adding the pasta and sauce.
- Customize Your Cheese: While this recipe suggests a mozzarella cheddar blend, feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses. Gouda or pepper jack could add a new flavor dimension.
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to boost the nutritional value, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into your beef mixture.
- Spices are Your Friend: If you want to elevate the flavor even further, think about adding other spices like Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano into the beef mixture.
These tips will help you create an even more flavorful and satisfying dish.
How to Store Beef Noodle Casserole
If you have leftovers or wish to prepare this casserole in advance, storing it is simple. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it as directed.
Variation of Beef Noodle Casserole
One of the great things about Beef Noodle Casserole is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to cater to your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to inspire you:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even a store-bought meat substitute. Use a vegetable-based marinara sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the beef mixture. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick and sprinkle the top with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you’re trying to cut carbs, you can swap egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to give your casserole a fresh taste, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
These modifications ensure that you can enjoy Beef Noodle Casserole in various exciting ways.
FAQs
What is the best way to reheat Beef Noodle Casserole?
The easiest way to reheat leftover casserole is in the oven. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for single servings, heating in short increments until hot.
Can I make Beef Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking it cold.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor and texture. Adjust cooking times depending on the protein you choose.
Is Beef Noodle Casserole gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free egg noodles and ensure that your marinara sauce does not contain any gluten products.
Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef Opt for lean to reduce excess grease
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- to taste Salt & pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheddar blend (or just use cheddar) For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the top third.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water for one or two minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish.
Cooking
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for about 8-10 minutes.
- Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Spoon out excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, mixing it with the beef mixture and warming it through.
- Combine the beef mixture with the drained egg noodles in the casserole dish, adding half of the shredded cheese. Toss until well combined and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Optionally, broil for a few minutes for a browned top, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serving
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread if desired.