Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Beef noodle casserole is one of those timeless comfort food meals that never seems to go out of style. It’s warm, hearty, filling, and made with simple ingredients that most kitchens already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy dinner that reheats well for leftovers, beef noodle casserole is a great choice.

What makes this beef noodle casserole recipe so appealing is how easy it is to put together. There’s no complicated prep work involved, no fancy ingredients, and no long cooking time. Everything comes together in one pan, gets transferred to a baking dish, and finishes in the oven with a layer of melted cheese on top.

This version adds a small twist by using Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles instead of regular diced tomatoes. That simple swap adds extra flavor without overpowering the dish. Combined with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, the result is a beef noodle casserole that’s comforting, flavorful, and one that everyone loves.

Why Beef Noodle Casserole Is Always a Favorite

Beef noodle casserole has been a staple in home kitchens for decades, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and incredibly adaptable.

You can adjust the seasoning, swap cheeses, or add vegetables based on what you have available. Even picky eaters tend to love this dish because of the amazing flavors.

Another reason beef noodle casserole remains popular is how well it works for meal prep. It can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and baked when needed.

Just like my Creamy Ground Beef and Noodle Casserole, this recipe has been a life saver for us on busy weeknights. Not to mention, leftovers also reheat beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients That Make This Recipe Work

Every ingredient in this beef noodle casserole has a purpose. Egg noodles provide the hearty base and hold onto the sauce well.

Lean ground beef adds richness without excess grease. Onion and garlic build flavor early, while tomato sauce and Rotel tomatoes create an amazing sauce.

Then Italian seasoning brings everything together with classic herb flavor. But my personal favorite is the shredded cheddar cheese which melts into a creamy topping.

Finally add a sprinkle of parsley at the end to add a touch of freshness and color that makes the dish complete.

Because the ingredients are simple, the quality of the ingredients matters. Using a good lean ground beef and a flavorful tomato sauce will make a noticeable difference in the final result.

Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Cooking spray

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the onion has softened and the beef is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the tomato sauce, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can combine.

Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss until evenly coated with the beef and sauce mixture.

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the beef noodle mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Casserole

One of the keys to a great beef noodle casserole is not overcooking the noodles. Cooking them just until tender ensures they won’t become mushy after baking. Since they finish cooking in the oven, slightly firm noodles work best.

Draining the Rotel tomatoes is also important. Too much liquid can make the casserole watery instead of thick and hearty. If you like a bit more heat, you can use the hot variety for an extra kick.

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for the topping, but this recipe works well with other cheeses too. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds extra creaminess, while sharp cheddar brings a stronger flavor.

Easy Variations to Try

Beef noodle casserole is incredibly adaptable. If you want to add vegetables, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas or corn they all work well and blend right into the dish. Simply add them when cooking the onions so they soften properly.

You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds more heat, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the beefy flavor. Even a small amount of sour cream stirred in before baking can add extra creaminess.

If you’re cooking for a smaller group, this casserole can easily be divided into two smaller dishes. Bake one and freeze the other for a future meal.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights

This beef noodle casserole recipe is ideal for nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Everything comes together quickly, and cleanup is minimal since most of the work happens in one pan.

It’s also a great option for potlucks, family gatherings, or bringing a meal to someone in need. The simple flavors make it universally appealing, and it holds up well during transport.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat well in the oven or microwave. In fact, many people find the flavors are even better the next day.

A Comfort Food You’ll Make Again and Again

There’s a reason beef noodle casserole remains a favorite in so many homes. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. This version, with Rotel diced tomatoes and lean ground beef, adds just enough extra flavor to make it stand out while still keeping that classic comfort food feel.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead for busy days, this beef noodle casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Enjoy! Mary

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