If you’re craving something warm, filling, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Beef Noodle Bake is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug — tender noodles, rich ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a creamy, cheesy layer baked to golden perfection. One bite and you’ll understand why this classic dish has been a family favorite for generations.
The first time I made this, it was on a busy weeknight when everyone was hungry and I didn’t have the energy for anything fancy. A quick rummage through the fridge turned into one of the most delicious meals I’d ever thrown together. Now, it’s a regular on our dinner rotation — right alongside my Macaroni and Hamburger Soup and One Pot Potato Soup.
Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer: half noodles, half creamy mixture, half beef sauce. Repeat. Top with shredded cheese and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
It’s easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely loaded with flavor. You get the comfort of a casserole with the rich heartiness of pasta and beef — plus, it reheats beautifully. It’s also a perfect make-ahead dish for busy families, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners.
If you love simple comfort food recipes like my Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder, this one will definitely earn a permanent spot in your meal plan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz egg noodles or any short pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
How to Make Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
If you’ve ever made my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you know how those simple, flavorful layers build magic — this beef sauce works exactly the same way.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer as follows:
- Half the noodles
- Half the creamy mixture
- Half the beef sauce
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining sauce. Top with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
If you’re serving this as part of a cozy meal, pair it with a slice of my Christmas Bread Recipe or a side salad for balance.
Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Bake
Use Full-Fat Dairy: It makes the dish extra creamy and rich.
Add Veggies: Sneak in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They’ll continue to cook in the oven, so keep them slightly firm.
Make Ahead: Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For more practical cooking tips, check out my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — perfect for turning everyday ingredients into something special.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Tex-Mex Beef Bake: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and cheddar cheese for a fun twist.
- Three-Cheese Noodle Bake: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for ultimate cheesiness.
- Vegetable Lover’s Bake: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef layer.
If you love creative spins on classic comfort food, try my Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! It’s lighter but still gives you that satisfying flavor.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. It’s perfect for meal prep — just assemble and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
3. What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic, but penne or rotini work great too.
4. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely — there’s no such thing as too much cheese in this dish.
The Final Bite: Creamy, Cozy & Totally Comforting
Creamy Beef Noodle Bake is one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy enough for weeknights but hearty enough for Sunday dinner. Every forkful gives you that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory — the kind of flavor that brings everyone back for seconds.
Serve it with a green salad, a loaf of Christmas Bread, and maybe a side of laughter — because that’s what comfort food is all about.
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