Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake

Thanks for the image! That looks like a cheesy beef and noodle casserole—possibly a Cheesy Ground Beef and Noodle Bake with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a long, detailed recipe inspired by it.

🧀 Cheesy Beef & Noodle Casserole Bake

Rich, saucy, cheesy, and full of flavor — just like in your photo!

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30–35 mins

Rest Time: 5–10 mins

Servings: 6–8

🛒 Ingredients

🥩 Beef Layer:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water (to loosen sauce)

🍝 Noodle Layer:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles or rotini
• Salted water, for boiling
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)

🧀 Cheese Layer:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (for creamy layering, optional)
• ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta (optional for creamy depth)

🌿 Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Cracked black pepper
• Extra cheese for topping

🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add noodles and cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite), about 1–2 minutes less than package directions.
3. Drain and toss with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
4. Set aside.

2. Brown the Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 7–8 minutes).
5. Drain excess grease.
6. Stir in:
   
   • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
   • Tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
   • Marinara sauce and a splash of broth or water.
8. Simmer the sauce for 5–10 minutes until thickened and rich.

3. Prepare Cheese Mixture (Optional But Creamy!)

• In a bowl, combine:
  
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • Mix well for layering.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layering Order:

1. Spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom.
2. Add half of the cooked noodles.
3. Dollop half the sour cream/cheese mixture.
4. Spoon half the meat sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle with ½ of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
6. Repeat with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce.
7. Top with remaining shredded cheeses.

🧀 Optional: Add crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
• Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it holds together better.

🥄 Serving Tips

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Keeps well for 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

• Freeze unbaked (wrapped well) or baked portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

• Oven: Cover and reheat at 350°F until hot (~20 min).
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals with a splash of water for moisture.

🔄 Variations & Upgrades

Protein:

• Use ground turkey or sausage.
• Mix in chopped pepperoni or bacon for extra flavor.

Vegetables:

• Add spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Sauce:

• Use a spicy arrabbiata for heat, or a creamy tomato sauce for richness.

Cheese:

• Add provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different textures.

Would you like a spicy Tex-Mex twist on this, or a gluten-free variation using rice noodles or cauliflower?