Description: A comforting and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, tender egg noodles, vibrant vegetables, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen cubed carrots (or fresh, parboiled – about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp cheddar preferred for a bolder flavor)
- ½ cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish & Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving. Using butter adds a subtle richness to the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve an “al dente” texture. Remember that the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking them prevents them from becoming mushy. Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander and set aside. A little olive oil tossed with the noodles will prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Season and Add Moisture to the Beef
Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Leaving the fat in will make the casserole greasy. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine the seasonings, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer for about one minute. Simmering helps the flavors meld together and adds moisture to the beef, preventing it from drying out in the oven.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, browned beef mixture, frozen peas, and frozen carrots. Gently fold in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the cheese to melt and clump together. The goal is to incorporate the cheese without completely melting it. The remaining cheese will be used for topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the noodle and beef mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Distribute the cheese so that it covers the entire surface, creating visible “pockets” of cheese. This will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the epitome of comfort food – warm, cheesy, and satisfying. The combination of ground beef, egg noodles, and cheddar cheese evokes nostalgic memories of family dinners.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the preparation is quick and simple.
- Customizable: This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish. The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with children of all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for potlucks or dinner parties.
- Freezer Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen for future meals. Simply portion the casserole into individual containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Offer steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and colorful side.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to end the meal.
- Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a tangy creaminess.
- Hot Sauce/Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, offer hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ensure the noodles are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can prevent smooth melting.
- Drain the Beef Thoroughly: Removing excess fat from the ground beef will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
- Make it Creamier: For a creamier casserole, add a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to the mixture.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use Leftover Cooked Beef: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on beef broth and cheese)
Conclusion:
This Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of noodle? Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are the traditional choice for this casserole, you can easily substitute them with other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the noodles are cooked al dente.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let the baked casserole cool completely. Then, cut into serving portions, wrap each portion individually with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- What can I substitute for beef broth? If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can use water with a teaspoon of beef bouillon granules. The broth adds moisture and flavor to the beef, so it’s important to use some type of liquid.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese in this casserole. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses would all work well. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for when choosing your cheese. For example, Monterey Jack is mild and creamy, while mozzarella is stretchy and melty.
