Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole has always been my ultimate comfort food, especially on chilly evenings. I remember my mom making this hearty dish when I was a kid; the aroma of savory beef and creamy sauce filling the house was pure magic. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This comforting beef and noodles casserole is so satisfying, and I’m excited to share exactly how to make cozy beef noodle casserole with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
This dish is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, making it perfect for any meal.
- The prep time is a breeze, making it an ideal weeknight option.
- While it’s hearty, it focuses on wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
- It’s budget-friendly, using staple ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
- This is a truly family-friendly beef noodle casserole that even picky eaters adore.
- As an easy beef noodle casserole recipe, it simplifies dinner preparation significantly.
- You’ll find this easy beef noodle casserole recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
- It offers pure comfort food bliss in every single bite.
Ingredients for Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
Gathering the ingredients for this delightful beef noodle casserole with cream of mushroom is simple. You’ll need a pound of ground beef, one medium onion that’s been finely chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced. For the creamy sauce, grab a can of 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup and a cup of sour cream. About 8 ounces of egg noodles are essential, cooked until just al dente. You’ll also need a tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing. To finish, have a cup of shredded cheddar cheese ready, plus salt and pepper to your liking. A teaspoon of dried parsley is optional for a touch of freshness.
How to Make Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
- Step 1: Let’s get this simple beef noodle casserole preparation started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, cook your 8 oz egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain them well and set them aside.
- Step 2: Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add your 1 medium onion, chopped, and sauté until it becomes beautifully translucent. Then, toss in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrance.
- Step 3: Now, add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to drain off any excess fat – this keeps the casserole from being too greasy. This is the foundation of our ground beef noodle casserole bake.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup sour cream. Mix it all together until everything is wonderfully combined and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef and sauce mixture. Make sure every strand is coated in that delicious, creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Transfer this entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Watch as it melts into a gooey, cheesy blanket!
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and looks golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
- Step 9: Let this cozy beef noodle casserole dish rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of 1 tsp dried parsley for a pop of color.
Pro Tips for the Best Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
To elevate your beef noodle bake from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These tips really make a difference!
- Don’t overcook the egg noodles before baking; they’ll continue to cook in the oven and can become mushy if cooked too long initially. Aim for al dente!
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning some mushrooms along with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
- If you want a richer sauce, a splash of beef broth or even a bit of white wine can be added with the cream of mushroom soup.
- Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before mixing it in; this helps prevent any curdling and ensures a smoother sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole?
The real secret to a perfect, creamy beef noodle casserole idea is the panade created by the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. This combination makes the sauce incredibly rich and binds everything together beautifully for that ultimate comfort food experience. For more comforting dinner ideas, check out these dinner recipes.
Can I make Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble this entire cozy beef noodle casserole dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole?
A common pitfall is overcooking the noodles, which makes the final dish mushy. Another mistake is not draining the fat from the ground beef, which can make the casserole greasy. Always season generously with salt and pepper for the best flavor. For a similar hearty meal, consider trying our cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
This hearty beef noodle casserole dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. For a truly family-friendly beef noodle casserole experience, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Another great option is some steamed green beans or broccoli, offering a pop of color and some extra nutrients. You could also serve it with crusty bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce – pure bliss! If you’re looking for more vegetable-focused meals, explore these veggie power bowl ideas.
Nutrition Facts for Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
When enjoying a serving of this comforting beef and noodles casserole, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting:
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this cozy beef noodle bake. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
This satisfying beef noodle casserole dish is fantastic for leftovers, making it a great option for a quick beef noodle casserole meal later in the week. Once it’s cooled completely, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your cozy beef noodle casserole will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is an excellent choice. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave individual servings for a faster reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole
Can I make this Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole with different noodles?
Yes, absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook them al dente according to their package directions, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This flexibility makes it a great “use what you have” meal. For other pasta dishes, explore our baby lemon impossible pies recipe.
What makes this a cheesy beef noodle casserole comfort food?
The magic of this dish as a cheesy beef noodle casserole comfort food comes from the combination of savory ground beef, tender noodles, and that incredibly creamy, rich sauce made with cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it creates a warm, gooey, and deeply satisfying experience that feels like a hug in a bowl. If you enjoy cheesy dishes, you might also like our beef and cheese chimichangas.
How do I add more vegetables to my Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole?
It’s super easy to boost the veggie content! You can stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of mixing the noodles and sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or finely chopped bell peppers can also be added along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrients. This makes it even more of a hearty beef noodle casserole dish.
Can I make this a one-pan beef noodle casserole?
While the recipe involves cooking the noodles separately, you can get close to a one-pan meal. If you use oven-ready noodles, you can combine all the ingredients directly in the baking dish and bake it. However, the texture of pre-cooked noodles is generally preferred for this specific recipe.
Variations of Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole You Can Try
This classic dish is so adaptable! You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs, creating a truly unique and hearty beef noodle casserole dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- For a Lighter Touch: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and light sour cream for a slightly lighter version.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the beef entirely and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even a can of drained chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
- Different Pasta: While egg noodles are classic, feel free to experiment with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente.
Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole: Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles until coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added vegetables, mix in a handful of frozen peas or corn.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- This casserole reheats well.
- Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of beef.
- Other pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal