Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake Recipe

Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake Recipe

Craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner—cheesy, hearty, and loaded with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheddar sauce. Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a nostalgic, filling dish!

This recipe is a modern twist on classic American casseroles, combining the richness of beef and cheese with the satisfying texture of egg noodles. Plus, it’s customizable—swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences. Ready in under an hour, this bake is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this cheesy, meaty dish.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make ahead and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Versatile: Easily adapt with veggies, different cheeses, or gluten-free noodles.

Recipe: Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake

Ingredients

• 12 oz wide egg noodles (or sub with gluten-free noodles)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for smokiness)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or homemade substitute)
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for topping)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumb topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add onion, garlic, ½ tsp salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until onions soften (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix sour cream, condensed soup, milk, and 1½ cups cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine everything: In the baking dish, layer cooked noodles, beef mixture, and sauce. Gently toss to coat evenly.
6. Add topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining ½ cup cheddar. Sprinkle over the bake.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest & serve: Let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Time & Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
520	42g	28g	32g

Tips for the Best Beef and Cheddar Noodle Bake

• Don’t overcook noodles: They’ll soften further in the oven.
• Customize add-ins: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes.
• Cheese swap: Use Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor.
• Crispier topping: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake (without breadcrumbs), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping and bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if cold.

What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Mix 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp flour, and ½ tsp mushroom seasoning (or soy sauce) for a homemade version. Or use cream of celery or cheddar soup.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze before baking (thaw overnight in the fridge) or after baking (reheat at 350°F until warmed through).

There you have it—a foolproof, delicious Homestyle Beef and Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!