Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dish that never disappoints, this Beef Casserole is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Imagine savory ground beef mingling with tangy tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and gooey, golden cheese, all layered over perfectly tender egg noodles. This crowd-pleasing classic isn’t just hearty and satisfying — it’s incredibly easy to throw together with staple ingredients, yet always feels like something special. Prepare to fall in love with every rich, flavorful forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Beef Casserole brings something special to the final dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll achieve a casserole that’s big on flavor, super satisfying, and irresistibly creamy. Here’s what you’ll need and why every one of these is essential:

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions and beef brown beautifully.
• Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and savory flavor as the star of the casserole.
• Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat that rounds out the dish.
• Tomato paste: Delivers concentrated tomato flavor for extra body and tang.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and aromatic flavor that permeates the whole casserole.
• Italian seasoning: A quick way to add herby notes that make the casserole taste like it cooked all day.
• Diced tomatoes with chilies: Keep things juicy and add bright, zesty flavor with a touch of spice.
• Celery salt: A small but mighty ingredient that adds depth and a subtle, savory edge.
• Egg noodles: Their soft texture soaks up every bit of sauce and cheese.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creates luscious creaminess in every bite.
• Cream cheese: Makes the casserole extra rich and velvety.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a thick, cohesive sauce that clings lovingly to the noodles.
• Colby Jack cheese: Melts perfectly over the top, creating that gorgeous, bubbly golden crust.

How to Make Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F while you prep everything else. This way it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in, ensuring perfect, even baking from the very first minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your chopped onion and ground beef, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sauté until the beef loses all its pink and the onions turn translucent — this step locks in loads of flavor and sets the stage for a super-tasty casserole. Season with salt and pepper as the mixture cooks.

Step 3: Build the Savory Tomato Base

Now, stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Let everything mingle for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes cook down a bit and soak up all those wonderful aromatics. At this point, the kitchen will already smell incredible!

Step 4: Boil the Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles for just 3 minutes. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t worry if they’re a little firm. Before you drain them, be sure to reserve 2 cups of that starchy noodle water — you’ll use it to help bind and moisten the casserole later.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and half a cup of reserved noodle water. This is the key to that ultra-silky, tangy layer running through your Beef Casserole, and it comes together in seconds.

Step 6: Assemble Your Beef Casserole

Toss the drained noodles with the remaining 1½ cups of noodle water, then spread them evenly across a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, layer your rich beef and tomato mixture over the noodles. Finish with generous dollops of the creamy cheese mixture and gently swirl everything together without fully mixing — this gives you gorgeous layers and pockets of flavor in every scoop.

Step 7: Add the Cheese and Bake

Blanket the top with a thick, even layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and gloriously golden. Let the Beef Casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving so the layers have a chance to set — if you can stand to wait!

How to Serve Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions across the top is all it takes to make this Beef Casserole look as spectacular as it tastes. You could also try a dash of paprika or a few thinly sliced jalapeños for a hit of color and gentle heat.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal, it shines when paired with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables makes a perfect contrast. Warm, crusty bread is also a fabulous way to scoop up every last bit of cheesy, saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Beef Casserole for a special occasion, bake it in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also cut generous squares and serve them on a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula for extra color and freshness. Leftover casserole makes outstanding stuffed bell peppers the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Beef Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to reheat, just scoop out as much as you need. The flavors seem to meld and deepen even more on the second day!

Freezing

Want to get a head start? Assemble the casserole right up to the point before baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked leftovers in single-serve portions, making busy weeknight dinners a total breeze.

Reheating

To bring refrigerated casserole back to life, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Frozen casserole should thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then bake as usual. For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch — just cover loosely and heat until hot, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I use instead of Colby Jack cheese?

If you don’t have Colby Jack, feel free to substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the creamy, savory flavors of your Beef Casserole.

Is this Beef Casserole spicy?

The level of spice is mild thanks to the diced tomatoes with chilies. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or use hot chilies. For a completely mild dish, swap the tomatoes with plain diced tomatoes instead.

Can I add extra veggies to Beef Casserole?

Definitely! Throw in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when you add the tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook off excess moisture so your casserole stays nice and thick.

What’s the best way to reheat Beef Casserole for lunch?

The microwave is your friend for speedy reheating: place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between until piping hot. Or reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a cozy, flavor-packed classic that always delights, this Beef Casserole deserves a permanent spot at your table. Bring friends, bring family — and maybe make a double batch, because second helpings are practically a guarantee. I can’t wait for you to taste how comforting, cheesy, and soul-satisfying this casserole truly is!

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