Description
This hearty beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food: savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and egg noodles all baked together under a golden, cheesy topping. It’s a family-friendly, one-dish meal that comes together easily and makes great leftovers. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, etc.)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil/butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften but still have a little bite.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to blend and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the cooked egg noodles, folding gently until everything is evenly combined and coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can use lean ground beef (90% or 93%) to reduce fat, or regular ground beef for a richer casserole—just be sure to drain well.
- Swap the egg noodles for any short pasta you like; just cook it to al dente before adding to the skillet.
- If your mixture looks a little dry before baking, add a splash of extra broth or a spoonful of tomato sauce to keep it saucy.
- This casserole thickens as it stands; if reheating leftovers, you may want to stir in a bit of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 16 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 30 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 4 g (approx.)
- Protein: 22 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 75 mg (approx.)
Keywords: beef casserole, cheesy beef casserole, ground beef bake, noodle casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner