Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
6. Prepare the Noodle Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with sour cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat the noodles in the creamy mixture.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half of the noodle mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer half of the beef mixture on top of the noodles.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture and beef mixture.
8. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole, ensuring an even layer of cheese.
9. Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Garlic Bread: For a full comfort food experience, pair this casserole with some crispy garlic bread for dipping.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy side that complements the hearty casserole.
Tips for Perfect Baked Beef & Noodles
Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance by assembling it the night before and storing it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even ricotta for a different spin on this classic dish.
Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a lighter option, lean ground beef or turkey can be substituted in place of regular ground beef.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you like a little heat in your casserole.
Why This Baked Beef & Noodles is a Family Favorite
Cheesy Comfort: The melted mozzarella and creamy sour cream give this casserole its rich, comforting texture, while the beef adds a savory depth of flavor.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit!
This Baked Beef & Noodles casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy goodness. It’s simple to make, totally satisfying, and bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation! 🍝🧀
