Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty ground beef, this Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Tender egg noodles are tossed with seasoned beef and a rich, creamy sauce, then baked under a blanket of melted cheese until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Drain any excess grease.
4. Make the creamy sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Cream cheese (if using)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine everything
Add the cooked noodles and seasoned beef mixture to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and mix until everything is evenly coated.
6. Assemble the casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
8. Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Rich, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this beef noodle casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds!