Homestyle Beef & Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake

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Description

Homestyle Beef & Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. Tender egg noodles are layered with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish for family gatherings.

Ingredients For Homestyle Beef & Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake

  • 12 oz egg noodles

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1 cup milk

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, heat butter/oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Make Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

  4. Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 baking dish, combine noodles with the beef sauce. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese.

  5. Top & Bake: Spread mixture evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

  6. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for beef.

  • Add veggies like peas, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

  • For a crunchy topping, add buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking.

 Tips

  • Cook noodles slightly underdone since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

  • Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.

  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Servings

  • Serves 6–8 people

 Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~480

  • Protein: 27g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Saturated Fat: 13g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 750mg

  • Calcium: 220mg

 Benefits

  • High in protein to keep you full and satisfied.

  • Comfort food made with simple pantry ingredients.

  • Family-friendly and budget-friendly.

  • Freezer and meal-prep friendly.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this without canned soup?
A: Yes! Use 1 cup homemade white sauce (butter, flour, and milk) as a substitute.

Q: How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
A: Slightly undercook noodles before baking.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.

Q: What cheese works best besides cheddar?
A: Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheddar-monterey blend work well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.

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