This hearty beef noodle cheddar bake combines tender ground beef, egg noodles, and melty cheese for pure comfort food bliss.
Quick Answer: Make this beef noodle cheddar bake by cooking egg noodles until al dente, browning seasoned ground beef, combining with a creamy cheese sauce, then baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: None
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s pure satisfaction
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup required
- Kid-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights
- Budget-friendly using pantry staples
- Great for making ahead and reheating
Quick Benefits
This beef noodle cheddar bake delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right at home. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and rich cheese sauce creates an irresistible family meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounces)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; set aside.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and mix them with the beef mixture until well coated.
- Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve and enjoy!
You Must Know
- Don’t overcook the noodles – they’ll continue cooking in the oven
- Drain excess fat from beef before combining with sauce
- Let cheese sauce thicken properly before mixing
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow
- Allow to rest before serving to set up properly
Serving Suggestions
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
Creative Variations
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add mushrooms and bell peppers for extra vegetables
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and provolone
- Add a layer of spinach for extra nutrition
Cultural Notes
This casserole-style dish represents classic American comfort food, evolving from post-war convenience cooking when casseroles became popular. It’s similar to hamburger helper but made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
Pro Tips
- Grate cheese fresh for best melting
- Season each component separately
- Use full-fat cheese for creamiest results
- Create a crunchy top with panko breadcrumbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this beef noodle cheddar bake?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: What type of noodles work best?
A: Medium or wide egg noodles are ideal, but you can substitute penne or rotini.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Use room temperature milk and add it gradually while whisking constantly.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Fresh-grated cheese melts better, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.
Health Benefits
This beef noodle cheddar bake provides protein from beef and calcium from cheese. Using lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while adding vegetables increases fiber and nutrients. Portion control helps make this comfort food part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 38g • Fat: 32g • Sodium: 780mg
Notes
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered until hot throughout.
Beef Noodle Cheddar Bake
This hearty beef noodle cheddar bake combines tender ground beef, egg noodles, and melty cheese for pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered until hot throughout.