Hearty Homestyle Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Hearty Homestyle Beef and Noodle Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish layered with seasoned ground beef, pasta, a creamy cheese filling, and rich tomato sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without a lot of fuss. When I want something cozy, filling, and made with pantry staples, this is one of my go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s hearty, easy to throw together, and full of flavor. It reminds me of old-fashioned, home-cooked meals that always hit the spot. The layers of savory beef, tender noodles, and creamy cheese make it the kind of dinner that pleases everyone. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and makes great leftovers—perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Egg noodles or pasta of choice

• Ground beef

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• Italian seasoning

• Cream cheese, softened

• Sour cream

• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil or cooking spray

Directions

1. I start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.

2. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned, then add garlic and cook another minute.

3. I stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. In a bowl, I mix softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and creamy.

5. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, I layer half the noodles, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top, then add the remaining noodles.

6. I pour the meat sauce evenly over the noodles and top everything with shredded cheese.

7. I bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. I let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings and takes around 45 minutes total, including prep and baking time.

Variations

• I sometimes add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

• Swapping the ground beef with ground turkey or lentils makes it a bit lighter.

• For a spicy version, I stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy tomato sauce.

• I’ve also used ricotta instead of cream cheese for a slightly different texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave in short bursts. This casserole also freezes great—I wrap it tightly (uncooked or fully baked) and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it earlier in the day or the night before, then bake it when I’m ready to serve.

What kind of noodles work best?

I like using egg noodles, but penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta works just as well.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy cheese and mild tomato sauce make it a hit with picky eaters.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double everything and use two baking dishes—one for now, one for the freezer.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

If the top browns too quickly, I loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Conclusion

This Hearty Homestyle Beef and Noodle Casserole is a simple, satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table every time. It’s full of rich flavors, easy to prepare, and made with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m feeding a family or making extra for the week, this dish always delivers classic comfort in every bite.

Hearty Homestyle Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Hearty Homestyle Beef and Noodle Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly recipe layered with seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, creamy cheese filling, and rich tomato sauce. Easy, budget-friendly, and freezer-ready, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

5. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

6. Layer half the noodles in the baking dish, spread cream cheese mixture over top, then add remaining noodles.

7. Pour meat sauce evenly over noodles and top with shredded cheese.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Notes

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for more veggies.
• Substitute ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version.
• Use ricotta instead of cream cheese for a different texture.
• For extra spice, stir red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
• Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months.