Rustic Noodle Bake Recipe

Cozy Up with this Warming Hearty Noodle Bake Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible hearty noodle bake that will warm you from the inside out.

Layers of rich, melted cheese and tender pasta create a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Packed with savory ingredients, this dish brings a delightful twist to classic comfort cuisine.

Each forkful promises a blend of creamy textures and robust seasonings that make ordinary weeknight dinners extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig into this satisfying meal.

Weeknight or weekend, this noodle bake delivers pure culinary bliss that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable feast.

Dive into this delectable creation and let your senses celebrate every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 391 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Noodle Bake: Ingredient Rundown

For Noodle Base:
  • Medium Egg Noodles: Provides hearty foundation with tender texture, select fresh package for best results.
  • Milk: Adds creamy smoothness and helps blend sauce components smoothly.
For Meat and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers rich protein punch, choose lean variety for healthier option.
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify overall dish depth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy complexity and depth to meat flavor.
  • Minced Garlic: Brings robust aromatic dimension, fresh is always more intense.
  • Dried Onion Flakes: Contributes subtle sweetness and background savory note.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Tomato Soup: Creates luscious base with slight acidic undertone.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Introduces velvety richness and binding quality.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty finish with delightful golden crust when melted.
Additional Support Ingredients:
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy dish release and prevents sticking.
  • Aluminum Foil: Protects dish from excessive browning during baking.

Must-Have Tools for Hearty Noodle Bake

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating delicious flavor.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for creating a hearty, family-sized casserole.
  • Colander: Needed to drain noodles after cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing noodles with sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional, if you're grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

Easy Prep for Hearty Noodle Bake

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your baking space ready for a delicious meal. Set the temperature to create the perfect cooking environment.

  • Meat Base

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, letting it sizzle and develop rich flavors. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

  • Creamy Sauce Blend

Whip together a magical mixture of soups, milk, and seasonings that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Stir until everything comes together in a smooth, tantalizing blend.

  • Noodle Magic

Combine the cooked noodles with the browned beef and creamy sauce. Toss everything together until each strand is perfectly coated with the delicious mixture.

  • Baking Adventure

Transfer the entire concoction to a baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum flavor distribution. Let it bake until the top turns golden and the edges become slightly crispy.

  • Cheesy Finale

Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding a final touch of flavor that will make everyone at the table smile with delight.

Creative Twists for Hearty Noodle Bake

  • Comfort Food Makeover: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of this classic casserole.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend to add extra flavor and creaminess to the dish.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or spinach during the ingredient combination step for added texture and vitamins.
  • Spice It Up: Kick the flavor profile into high gear by adding a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Hearty Noodle Bake Plating Ideas

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty noodle bake as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Fresh Green Sidekick: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
  • Bread Buddies: Complement the dish with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
  • Wine and Dine: Match with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a light Merlot to enhance the savory flavors of the beef and creamy sauce.

Store Hearty Noodle Bake the Smart Way

  • Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring the hearty noodle bake stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain quality, allowing you to freeze portions for busy weeknights. Frozen meals remain tasty for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive refrigerated portions by warming in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave works in a pinch, stirring halfway through for even heating.
  • Portioning Pro Tips: Divide the bake into individual servings before storing, making grab-and-go meals easier for quick lunches or rushed dinner nights. Small containers help control portion sizes and reduce food waste.
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Rustic Noodle Bake Recipe

Rustic Noodle Bake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Scrumptious beef stroganoff noodle bake combines classic Russian comfort with creamy pasta perfection. Rich layers of tender egg noodles and savory ground beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 12 oz (340 g) medium egg noodles
  • 10.75 oz (305 g) tomato soup
  • 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps dried onion flakes
  • 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook noodles in rapidly boiling water until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside to air dry.
  3. Meat Transformation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat completely to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk together tomato soup, mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion flakes, and additional seasonings in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
  5. Mixture Integration: Combine cooked noodles, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce, ensuring every component is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Baking Process: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a golden, appetizing surface.
  7. Finishing Touch: If edges become too crisp, loosely tent with aluminum foil during the final cooking stage. Once removed from the oven, generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top to add a final layer of savory complexity before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk soup ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent sauce that won’t break or separate during baking.
  • Drain Meat Carefully: Remove excess beef fat completely to avoid a greasy, heavy casserole and maintain a lighter, more appetizing texture.
  • Noodle Texture Tip: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during the additional baking time, ensuring a perfect pasta bite.
  • Cheese Finishing Touch: Add Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of baking or immediately after removing from oven to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor and prevent overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 391
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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