5 Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

Some recipes just never go out of style, and this 5 Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is one of them. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty dinner that brings everyone to the table without any complaints. Tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese come together in one easy casserole that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple. This recipe is part of my Five-Ingredient Friday series!

I especially love this recipe on busy weeknights because it uses pantry and freezer staples I almost always have on hand. Plus, it’s one of those magical meals where the vegetables are mixed right in, making it a great option for kids who might otherwise be suspicious of green beans. Easy, cheesy, filling, and made with just five ingredients—this is comfort food at its best.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients (plus a pinch of salt!)
• Family-friendly comfort food with cheesy noodles and hearty beef
• A sneaky way to serve vegetables—the green beans blend right in
• Budget-friendly pantry meal made with simple ingredients
• Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
• Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast

Tips for Success

• Cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue to soften slightly in the oven.
• Drain the green beans well to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
• Season the beef as it cooks. Even a pinch of salt helps bring all the flavors together.
• Don’t overbake. Since everything is already cooked, you’re simply melting the cheese and heating everything through.

What ingredients go into this 5 ingredient cheesy beef and noodle casserole?

• Egg noodles
• Ground beef
• Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• Green beans
• Colby jack cheese

Customizations

This recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Use cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of Colby Jack.
• Replace the green beans with peas, corn, mixed vegetables, or sautéed zucchini.
• Add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
• Stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for even more flavor.
• Like a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is truly a complete meal, but if you’d like to round it out, try serving it with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread or crusty bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• Fresh fruit for an easy side

It’s also perfect for meal prep—portion leftovers into containers for easy lunches throughout the week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?
Yes. Cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.

What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic, but rotini, penne, or medium shells also work well.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I add more cheese?
Always! If your family loves extra cheesy casseroles, feel free to add another cup of cheese or mix some directly into the noodle mixture before baking.

Simple, comforting, and packed with family-friendly ingredients, this 5 Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for an easy dinner that doesn’t require a long grocery list, this cheesy casserole delivers every time.

Other recipes you might enjoy:

• Chicken spaghetti casserole
• Chicken broccoli alfredo freezer meal
• Meal prep beef burritos with zucchini 

5 Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

This comforting 5 ingredient cheesy beef and noodle casserole recipe will become a staple at the family dinner table.

4.25 from 45 votes

Print Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb egg noodles (16 oz.) cooked.
• 1.25 lbs lean ground beef with a pinch of salt
• 2 cans diced tomatoes with Italian herbs 14.5 oz each
• 2 cans cut green beans, drained 14.5 oz each
• 2 cups colby jack cheese shredded

Instructions

• Cook noodles according to package instructions, then set aside. I like boiling them in salted water.
• While the noodles cook, in a large pan cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until no more pink shows (about 5 minutes). Add in diced tomatoes and green beans and stir. Add in a pinch of salt.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• In a large casserole dish add noodles and beef mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top.
• Bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

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Notes

Nutrition information disclaimer: the nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.  

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 251mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g