Cheesy Baked Beef & Egg Noodles Casserole (Old-Fashioned Family Recipe)

This Cheesy Baked Beef & Egg Noodles Casserole is a comforting, old-school dinner made with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and a rich, savory sauce baked until perfectly juicy and flavorful. It’s an easy oven-baked meal that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy families, meal prep, or cozy weeknight dinners.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, affordable ingredients
• One pan, oven-baked comfort food
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• High-protein, filling, and satisfying

This recipe is inspired by classic Amish-style hamburger noodle bakes and old American home cooking, where simple ingredients turn into rich, hearty meals.

 Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Noodles:

• 250 g (9 oz) egg noodles or wide pasta
• Water + salt for boiling

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup cooking cream or milk

Optional (but recommended):

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• Fresh parsley for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente (do not overcook). Drain and set aside.

2 Prepare the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden. Add garlic and bell pepper, sauté for 2 minutes.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Stir well.

3 Make the Sauce

Add tomato paste and butter to the beef. Stir until melted and fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and cream. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and juicy.

4 Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Grease a glass baking dish.

Mix cooked noodles with the beef mixture. Transfer everything to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.

5 Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Green salad
• Pickles or coleslaw
• Garlic bread
• Steamed vegetables

 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months
• Reheat: oven or microwave with a splash of broth

 Variations

• Add mushrooms or zucchini
• Use ground chicken or turkey
• Add cheese layers for extra richness
• Make it spicy with harissa or cayenne