Description

This Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles, ground beef, and a creamy tomato-based sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors and creamy textures in an easy-to-make casserole baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounce bag egg noodles

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Meat

1 pound ground beef

Tomato & Seasonings

14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, can use regular or leave it out)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy & Cheese

2 Tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just tender according to package directions, ensuring they do not become too soft since they will finish cooking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Sauté vegetables and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir consistently until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked egg noodles to the sauce and toss well to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy tomato mixture. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Bake the casserole: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the noodle mixture. Bake uncovered in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles with a lovely golden crust.
Serve: Remove casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles during boiling as they will continue to cook in the oven, preventing a mushy texture.
If you prefer, substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or omit for a milder flavor.
Use either salted or unsalted butter based on your dietary preference; adjust added salt accordingly.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: beef noodle casserole, creamy beef pasta bake, easy casserole recipe, ground beef egg noodles, comfort food casserole