This Creamy Beef & Cheddar Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and sharp Cheddar, this baked dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Families looking for a filling, kid-friendly dinner
- Busy home cooks who want an easy, no-fuss casserole
- Meal preppers needing a dish that reheats well
- Comfort food lovers craving a warm, cheesy classic
Why It’s Great
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry and fridge staples
- Creamy & Cheesy: A perfect balance of tomato sauce and rich dairy
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or freezer meals
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 package (8 oz) egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white sugar
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan (for noodles)
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
Add the tomato sauce, garlic salt, salt, and sugar. Stir well and let simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture and mix gently.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooled casserole for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or macaroni work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—try mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition.
Q: Can I use low-fat dairy?
Yes, but full-fat versions give the creamiest texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef & Cheddar Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed winner.
