Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole
Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole is a comforting, weeknight-friendly dish that delivers creamy sauce, savory beef, and tender noodles all baked together under a glowing layer of melted cheese. It's sturdy, satisfying, and flexible enough to adapt to your pantry. The result is a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug from the oven, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Base
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 12 oz wide egg noodles cooked al dente and drained
- 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar for the topping
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra golden crust)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 4–5 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat, leaving just a thin coating in the pan for flavor. Return the beef to the pan and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté together for 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, oregano or thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce deepens slightly in color. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning — the Worcestershire adds a savory depth, so taste before adding more salt.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente — pull them about 1 minute before the package suggests, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside. Slightly underdone noodles are key here; fully cooked noodles can turn soft and mushy after baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the drained noodles directly into the skillet with the beef sauce and toss until every noodle is evenly coated — or transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and mix there. Spread into an even layer and scatter the remaining cheddar generously over the top. Finish with the Parmesan if using, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a little color.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbling around the edges, and turning lightly golden. For a deeper, crispier cheese crust, switch to broil for the final 2–3 minutes — watch it closely so it doesn't overbrown. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps it firm up slightly so it serves more cleanly. Scatter fresh parsley over the top and bring straight to the table.