Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Beef noodle casserole graces more than 60% of American family dinner tables at least once a month, signaling its undeniable comfort food status. You'll want to master this classic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone craves. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe promises to become your go-to weeknight solution. Are you ready to elevate your home cooking with a dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy goodness?
Recipe Highlights
- A classic beef noodle casserole requires ground beef, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese as core ingredients.
- Brown ground beef thoroughly at medium heat, cook egg noodles until al dente, and mix with soup and milk before baking.
- Bake the casserole at 350°F for approximately 25-30 minutes, ensuring the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling on top.
- For added flavor and nutrition, customize the dish by incorporating vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers into the mixture.
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to maintain its creamy texture and taste.
History
Though casseroles have been a staple of American home cooking for generations, beef noodle casserole emerged as a quintessential mid-20th century convenience food. Post-World War II kitchen innovations transformed how families approached meal preparation, with canned soups and packaged noodles becoming pantry staples.
You'll find this dish reflects the era's fascination with quick, economical meals that could feed large families efficiently. Refrigeration improvements and widespread home oven ownership contributed to casserole culture, allowing home cooks to prepare dishes in advance.
Cream of mushroom soup, invented in 1934 by Campbell's, became a critical binding ingredient that defined this culinary trend. Midwestern and suburban home kitchens particularly embraced these one-dish meals, valuing their simplicity and ability to stretch modest ingredients into satisfying dinners that felt both practical and comforting.
Recipe
Beef Noodle Casserole is a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Its hearty combination of ground beef, tender egg noodles, and creamy sauce creates a filling meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
This classic casserole isn't only delicious but incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a complete meal ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, making sure to break it into small crumbs as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they're al dente.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
For the best results, avoid overcooking the noodles initially, as they'll continue to soften during baking. If preparing the casserole in advance, you can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from a cold state.
Cooking Steps
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet, ensuring you drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish.
Next, cook your egg noodles until they're perfectly al dente, keeping an eye on the texture so they don't become mushy during baking.
Once your beef is browned and noodles are cooked, you'll mix all ingredients in a large bowl, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until the casserole is golden and bubbling with delicious promise.
Step 1. Brown Ground Beef
When preparing your beef noodle casserole, you'll want to brown the ground beef with precision and care. Use a large skillet and set your stovetop to medium heat. Break the pound of ground beef into small, uniform pieces as it cooks, allowing each fragment to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
Stir frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking or burning.
- Cook until no pink remains
- Drain excess fat thoroughly
- Use a wooden spoon to break meat into consistent chunks
Look for these visual cues: meat should appear golden-brown, have a slightly crispy texture, and release minimal liquid.
Season with salt and pepper during cooking to enhance the beef's natural flavors. Properly browned ground beef provides a robust foundation for your delicious casserole.
Step 2. Cook Egg Noodles
Grab your pot and get ready to transform those egg noodles into the perfect al dente foundation for your casserole.
Fill a large pot with water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance flavor and help the noodles cook evenly. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then carefully add 12 ounces of egg noodles, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Watch the timer closely: most egg noodles need 6-8 minutes to reach that ideal tender-yet-firm consistency. Test a noodle at the 6-minute mark by biting into it—you're looking for a slight resistance in the center.
Once perfectly cooked, drain immediately in a colander, shaking off excess water to prevent mushiness. These noodles will be the creamy, comforting base of your delicious casserole.
Step 3. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly
A large mixing bowl becomes your culinary command center for assembling this comforting beef noodle casserole.
First, combine your drained ground beef, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and creamy cream of mushroom soup. Stir methodically to ensure even distribution, using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to fold ingredients together.
Add the milk gradually, which will help bind everything and create a luscious, cohesive mixture. Your goal is uniform coating: every noodle should be embraced by the beefy, soupy goodness. Pay careful attention to mixing thoroughly without mashing the delicate noodles. The components should be well-integrated but not overmixed, maintaining individual ingredient integrity.
Transfer this harmonious blend into your greased 9×13 baking dish, ready for the final cheesy transformation.
Step 4. Top With Cheese
Two generous cups of shredded cheddar cheese will transform your beef noodle casserole from simple to spectacular, creating a golden, melty topping that'll make your dish irresistibly inviting.
When adding cheese, sprinkle it evenly across the entire surface of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting properties and most vibrant flavor. For an extra crispy top, consider using a blend of sharp and mild cheddar, which will provide both depth and meltability.
Key cheese application tips include:
- Distribute cheese in a uniform layer
- Cover entire casserole surface
- Use room-temperature cheese for smoother melting
- Pat cheese down gently with a spatula to help it adhere
The goal is a beautifully bronzed, bubbling cheese layer that adds both visual appeal and rich, creamy texture to your comfort food classic.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
When your casserole is prepped and ready, you'll want to position the 9×13 baking dish in the center of a preheated 350°F oven, ensuring even heat distribution for that perfect golden-brown finish.
Watch closely during the 25-30 minute baking time, checking for key visual indicators of doneness.
You'll know the casserole is ready when:
- The cheese melts completely and starts to bubble
- The edges turn a rich, golden-brown color
- The top develops a slightly crispy texture
Use a knife or toothpick to check that the interior is heated through.
Once done, remove the dish carefully using oven mitts, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and helping the flavors meld together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Because comfort food is all about creating memorable meals, this beef noodle casserole represents more than just a simple dinner—it's a reliable recipe that'll become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
You'll find this dish brings warmth to your table, transforming basic ingredients into a satisfying meal that speaks to home cooking tradition.
Consider these final tips for casserole success:
- Experiment with cheese varieties for different flavor profiles
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to maintain the casserole's creamy texture
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
You can easily customize it with additional seasonings, vegetables, or by swapping ground beef for ground turkey.
Trust your culinary instincts, and you'll create a memorable meal every time.
