Description

A hearty, nostalgic beef noodle casserole that combines browned ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with cheddar cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. It is a quick, forgiving, and affordable family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup beef broth (low-sodium)
8 ounces egg noodles (about 2 cups dry)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil egg noodles in salted water until barely tender, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and beef broth until smooth.
Combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, and frozen peas with the sauce mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

For best results, use block cheese and shred it yourself to ensure a smooth melt. Do not overcook the noodles initially as they will continue to cook in the oven. If the casserole looks dry before baking, add a splash of milk or broth. For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles and gluten-free soup/breadcrumbs. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 25

Keywords: beef noodle casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meals, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy casserole