The smell always hit me first—savory beef mingling with bubbling cheddar and soft noodles, drifting from my mom’s oven long before dinner was called. We didn’t need fancy food to feel rich back then. Just hearty casseroles, warm lighting, and maybe the sound of a radio hum in the background. That was enough.
This particular dish—our family’s take on a beef noodle bake—wasn’t written down. It was shown. I remember standing on a stool, helping sprinkle cheese over the top while my mom folded the noodles with care. She always added peas “for color,” as she’d say with a wink. I never minded. I’ve since passed this recipe to my kids, and it remains one of the most requested dinners in our house.
I’ve made a few tweaks over the years: a bit more garlic, some beef broth to keep it juicy, and generous cheese pockets for that melty finish. It’s not a flashy recipe, but it’s solid. Reliable. And it tastes like the kind of meal that wraps around you after a long day.
Short Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole made with seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, peas, carrots, and melty cheddar. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and packed with nostalgic flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen cubed carrots (or fresh, parboiled)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing)
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente—usually about 6–7 minutes. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking; they’ll bake more later.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy base.
Step 3: Add Moisture
Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for about one minute. Stir well to coat the meat. This adds moisture without turning the dish watery.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked noodles, seasoned beef, peas, and carrots. Stir in ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Mix gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spoon in the noodle mixture, smoothing the surface evenly. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese across the top—don’t worry about full coverage. Cheese pockets will create delicious melty zones.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges start to turn golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld and keeps servings neat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting flavors: Savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender noodles in every bite.
One-pan meal: Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup simple.
Family-approved: Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and reheats beautifully.
Nutritious add-ins: Peas and carrots bring color and a bit of balance.
Customizable: Easily tweak the vegetables, cheese, or protein to suit your needs.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcooking the Noodles
Overdone noodles will turn mushy after baking. Cook just until al dente.
Solution: Check noodle texture 1–2 minutes before the package suggests.
2. Skipping the Beef Drain
Leaving in the fat can make the casserole greasy.
Solution: Drain thoroughly after browning the meat, or blot with paper towels.
3. Dry Texture
Not enough moisture will leave it stiff and crumbly.
Solution: Always add the ½ cup beef broth and don’t overbake.
4. Uneven Cheese Topping
Clumped cheese can burn or leave parts dry.
Solution: Scatter cheese in small handfuls across the top to ensure even melting.
5. Adding Cold Veggies Straight from Freezer
Frozen peas and carrots can cool the mixture and affect bake time.
Solution: Let frozen veggies thaw slightly or rinse under warm water and pat dry.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish stands alone as a satisfying main, but it pairs well with:
– Crisp green salads with vinaigrette
– Roasted broccoli or green beans
– Garlic toast or warm dinner rolls
– A light soup like tomato basil or broth-based vegetable
– Drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or a soft red wine for adults
Serve it plated for weeknight dinners or family-style for gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium heat in 1-minute intervals.
Avoid drying: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both are great leaner options. Just be sure to season well and add a bit of olive oil for richness.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding 5 extra minutes to the oven time if cold.
3. How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and use veggie broth. Still hearty and flavorful.
4. What cheese alternatives work well?
Try mozzarella for a milder flavor or a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or spinach make great additions. Cook them first to release moisture.
Tips & Tricks
Warm your cheese to room temp before using—it melts more evenly.
Use a deep 9×13 dish if adding extra veggies or cheese.
Letting the bake rest ensures clean, firm slices.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for extra crunch.
Add a touch of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce to the beef for a flavor boost.
Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
Swap the beef broth with ½ cup of cream of mushroom soup. Omit cheddar inside and top with mozzarella. Bake as directed.
2. Tex-Mex Twist
Add 1 tsp cumin and ½ tsp chili powder to the beef. Stir in a can of drained black beans and use a Mexican cheese blend. Serve with salsa.
3. Italian Style
Use marinara instead of broth and stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Top with mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
4. Broccoli Cheddar Bake
Replace peas and carrots with 2 cups chopped broccoli (steamed). Stir in a full 1½ cups cheddar for a cheesy veggie-packed version.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest stays the same.
Final Thoughts
This bake is not complicated, but it’s filled with the kind of flavor that tells a story. I’ve leaned on this recipe on cold nights and busy weeks, and it’s never let me down.
I hope this dish brings the same comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine. Try it once, and it may just become one of your go-to meals too. Cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about the moments you make around the table. Let this casserole be part of that. And if you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear how you made it yours.
Homestyle Beef And Cheddar Egg Noodle Bake
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen cubed carrots (or fresh, parboiled)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil egg noodles in salted water for 6–7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Moisture
Add beef broth and simmer for 1 minute, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix noodles, beef, peas, carrots, and ½ cup cheddar. Toss gently.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Spread in the mixture, then top with remaining 1 cup cheddar, leaving some gaps for melty pockets.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help everything set.
