Introduction

Beef Noodle Casserole with Cheddar Cheese Topping is the definition of comfort food at its finest. This hearty dish brings together tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese—all layered and baked under a golden, bubbly cheddar cheese crust. It’s a dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and brings warmth to the table.

What makes this casserole so special is its simplicity. It uses basic pantry staples yet delivers a meal that feels wholesome, indulgent, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family on a busy weeknight or serving guests at a potluck, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe:
I love this recipe because it combines the nostalgia of old-fashioned casseroles with the unbeatable flavors of a cheesy pasta bake. The balance of creamy and tangy layers with savory beef and gooey cheddar cheese makes every bite a treat. It’s also budget-friendly, easy to make in large portions, and perfect for leftovers. Best of all, it’s one of those recipes that gets better the next day—making it great for meal prep.

Why it’s a must-try dish:
This dish is a must-try because it’s comforting, versatile, and universally loved. It has all the things people crave: tender noodles, hearty beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping that ties everything together. It’s also adaptable—you can sneak in vegetables, use different cheeses, or adjust the spices to your preference. With minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per serving: ~420 kcal

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole Base:

• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for creamier texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for layering)

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Egg Noodles:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare Creamy Mixture:
   In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
   • Half the noodles
   • Half the creamy mixture
   • Half the meat sauce
   • Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar
     Repeat layers, finishing with remaining cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook noodles → drain → set aside.
3. Brown beef → add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings → simmer.
4. Mix sour cream + cottage cheese in a bowl.
5. Layer noodles → creamy mixture → meat sauce → cheese → repeat.
6. Bake covered, then uncover to melt cheese fully.
7. Rest, garnish, and serve.

How to Serve

Serve hot straight from the baking dish with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
• If you want a creamier base, use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
• Letting it rest after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican-Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace noodles with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble casserole, wrap tightly, freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour, covered, then uncover to melt cheese.
• Freezing (Baked): Let cool, wrap portions individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large pot for noodles
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely—it will still be delicious.

Q: How do I prevent overcooked noodles?
Cook them just to al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheddar melts better and has more flavor.

Conclusion

Beef Noodle Casserole with Cheddar Cheese Topping is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and filling. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that can feed a family or a crowd, and it’s endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a weeknight and potluck favorite.