Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake
Creamy, juicy, and meltingly cheesy, this Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is the kind of comfort food that wraps your weeknight in a warm, delicious hug.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef Raw, preferably 80/20 for flavor
- 12 ounces Wide egg noodles Dry
- 1 cup Frozen peas No need to thaw
- 1 cup Frozen cubed carrots Or fresh and parboiled if preferred
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Divided (1/2 cup + 1 cup)
- 0.5 cup Beef broth Low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Butter or nonstick spray For greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside in the colander to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper as it cooks. When beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat. Pour in the beef broth and stir, letting it simmer for about one minute to add moisture and flavor.
- Step 3: Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the beef mixture, frozen peas, and frozen or parboiled carrots. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix so you keep pockets of cheese intact.
- Step 4: Assemble and Top: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Transfer the noodle and beef mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, aiming for visible pockets of cheese that will melt into gooey spots.
- Step 5: Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for five minutes to set. This makes serving easier and lets the flavors meld.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.