Growing up, we ate this casserole quite a bit. We simply called it One Dish Meal. I am sure there’s a story in there somewhere. But I don’t know it. All I do know is that the layers of seasoned beef, loads of cheese and egg noodles all covered in a creamy tomato mushroom sauce make this Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole a winner every single time it hits the table. As a matter of fact, cozied up to a side of buttery garlic bread and a salad, this is the only casserole my son will eat. And he doesn’t just eat it, he loves it. Yep, even for a picky eater this easy, 30 minute meal is hands down where it’s at!
What You Need To Make Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
- ground beef
- wide egg noodles
- medium onion
- tomato sauce
- cream of mushroom soup (you can make your own, if canned is not your thing)
- American cheese
- salt, pepper and garlic
Putting this dish together is a snap. It’s one of the first meals I ever learned to make. So not only is it a great family meal around the table, it’s also a great family meal in the kitchen for spending time with your young people while they learn to prepare a meal of their own!
As you layer the ground beef, noodles and cheese your casserole dish, the real key to this recipe is the sauce! As simple as it is- just tomato sauce and cream of mushroom soup- it’s really what makes this dish stand out! That mushroom soup adds a layer of creaminess and flavor that’s unexpected and rich. It’s what gives this cheesy beef noodles casserole the legs to stand apart from all the other tomato sauce pasta casseroles out there.
In a hurry? Even though this dish is easy to put together, it can get even easier if you brown the meat and cook the noodles the night before. That just leaves assembly and cook time when meal time rolls around. This cheesy beef noodle casserole also freezes well!
Just look at those layers! They are calling your name. I’m sure there’s room in your menu a quick one dish meal this week. And this one is sure to get the family around the table!
Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- On the stovetop, place noodles in a large pot to boil. When tender, remove from heat and drain in colander.
- While the noodles are cooking, brown the ground beef with the diced onion, salt, pepper and garlic over medium heat. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together tomato sauce and mushroom soup. Set aside.
- In a 2.5-3qt casserole dish, cover the bottom of the dish with half the noodles, then top with half the beef. Pour half the sauce over the beef and noodles. Cover the sauce with 4 cheese slices. Repeat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
What You Need To Make & Serve This Easy Family Meal!
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Can celery soup be used instead of mushroom?
I don’t think I would make that substitute. Cream of Celery soup has a very different flavor profile from Cream of Mushroom.
Ok, I haven’t actually made this yet (making it tonight tho) and I will substitute shredded Velveeta and a little Mozzarella since I don’t have the slices on hand. I actually have 3 of your recipes (the only ones I’ve looked at so far) that I plan to make! Easy White Ravioli and French Bread Spaghetti and for the next couple nights. So excited I came across these!
Hi, Teri! Those cheeses sound delicious for this casserole! How yum! I am so glad you are here. I hope you find tons you like. Can’t wait to hear about all this good yumminess you’re making!
Making this right now and it smells delish!
I know you’re going to love it! So cheesy and good. That sauce tho!
I grew up with this but with elbow macaroni, homemade spaghetti sauce or jar sauce added to ground beef and no cream of mushroom soup. One of my favorite meals.
Looks so good! Is there a similar condensed soup that could be substituted for the cream of mushroom? I know the flavoring will be different but my daughter will most definitely notice the small mushroom pieces and then turn her nose up to the entire dish.
Hi, Heather! I can’t think of another soup that would not substantially change the flavor of the sauce. I think I would try running the mushroom soup through the blender or food processor or even putting it through a mesh strainer. I can’t say that the mushrooms pieces aren’t visible if you’re specifically hunting for them, but it is a little harder to find them in the ground beef and red sauce. I hope it works out because this is a wonderful comfort food family recipe that’s always seems to be a hit (even with my son who doesn’t like “casseroles”!).
I know you have been asked this question but my son is allergic to mushrooms. Would maybe a cream of chicken work? If you don’t think it wold taste good I don’t want to bother making it. Let me know your thoughts?
Thanks
In my opinion, cream of chicken would not compliment beef. Maybe make your own “cream of beef” to add instead?