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Comforting Beef Noodle Bake

Featured in Beef recipes for any day.

This simple noodle bake pairs tender beef and melty cheese with a tasty tomato sauce. A crowd-pleaser for all ages, ready for any mealtime.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:13:59 GMT
A white dish full of pasta topped with ground beef, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Pin it
A white dish full of pasta topped with ground beef, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. | Tastyhush.com

This hearty beef and noodle casserole combines tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese into a comforting family meal. Perfect for sharing at the dinner table, this simple yet satisfying dish brings together classic flavors that everyone will enjoy.

What Makes This Casserole Special

The creamy texture and rich flavors make this casserole irresistible. It's a complete one-dish meal that saves time while delivering a hearty, balanced dinner. The combination of beef, noodles and cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience.

Key Ingredients

  • 12 oz egg noodles: Cooked and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef: For the base
  • 1 small onion: Diced
  • 3 cloves garlic: Minced
  • 2.5 cups marinara sauce: For the base
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes: Drained
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese: Freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Divided
  • 1-2 tablespoons herbs de Provence: For flavor
  • Dried parsley: For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven
Set oven to 350°F while preparing the casserole.
Cook the beef mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper and half the garlic powder, then cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Make the sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Season with remaining garlic powder and herbs de Provence. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Combine with noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with sauce.
Layer the casserole
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with grated cheddar.
Bake and serve
Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest briefly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
A casserole dish filled with noodles, ground beef and melted cheese, garnished with tomatoes and parsley. Pin it
A casserole dish filled with noodles, ground beef and melted cheese, garnished with tomatoes and parsley. | Tastyhush.com

Tips and Variations

Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the beef for extra vegetables. Try using a blend of mozzarella or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole beforehand?
Sure! Prep everything up until the cheese topping and pop it in the fridge. You can add the cheese and bake just before eating. Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
→ Which noodles work best?
Egg noodles are fantastic, but feel free to swap with macaroni or penne. Just cook them al dente since they'll finish cooking in the oven.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them in the oven at 160°C (about 320°F) for 15-20 minutes.
→ Can I freeze the dish?
Definitely! This bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 25-30 minutes.
→ Can I try another kind of cheese?
Absolutely, swap out cheddar for gruyere, mozzarella, or a mix of shredded cheeses. Just pick ones that melt smoothly!

Noodle Beef Casserole

A cozy casserole mixing pasta, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese with a rich tomato sauce. An ideal choice for a family meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (1 baking dish 23x33 cm)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
02 700 g of ground beef.
03 340 g of egg noodles.
04 1 small onion, finely sliced.
05 2 tbsp olive oil.
06 400 g diced tomatoes, drained.
07 200 g cheddar cheese, grated.
08 600 ml tomato sauce.
09 A pinch of salt and pepper.
10 1 to 2 tbsp Italian seasoning.
11 2 tbsp garlic powder.
12 A sprinkle of dried parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 175°C and let it preheat.

Step 02

In a big pan, heat the olive oil. Sauté the garlic and onion for a couple of minutes. Add the beef, season it with a bit of salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder. Cook while breaking it apart, and drain any grease if needed.

Step 03

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the pan. Season with more salt, pepper, the other half of the garlic powder, and the Italian seasoning. Stir it together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Boil the egg noodles according to the instructions on their package, then drain them. Mix the cooked noodles into the sauce, and transfer the mixture into a greased 23x33 cm baking dish.

Step 05

Top the dish with grated cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

  1. You can make this gratin ahead of time and warm it up later.
  2. It’s a great dish to serve for family dinners.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • Large frying pan.
  • 23x33 cm baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 42 g