Beef Noodle Casserole

This Beef Noodle Casserole is pure comfort food done right tender chunks of slow-braised beef, rich savory sauce, wide egg noodles, and a blanket of melty fontina cheese. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that feels special but feeds a crowd with ease. If you’re searching for a beef noodle casserole or a hearty comfort food dinner, this one’s a must-save. The beef cooks low and slow until fork-tender, the noodles soak up all that flavor, and the cheesy finish pulls everything together. Perfect for Sunday dinners, make-ahead meals, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

• 2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 medium yellow onions, coarsely grated
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
• 6 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 6 cups high-quality beef broth
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 8 oz fontina cheese, freshly grated
• Finely chopped parsley, for serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large Dutch oven or oven-safe braiser
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Box grater
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Forks (for shredding beef)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the beef: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and brown on all sides (5–7 minutes). Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
3. Build the base: Add onions and carrots to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. 🧅🥕
4. Thicken the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and flour. Cook 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
5. Braise: Slowly pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Add beef and juices back to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and transfer to the oven. Cook 2–2½ hours until beef shreds easily.
6. Increase heat: Remove pot from oven. Increase oven temp to 400°F (205°C).
7. Cook noodles: Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef to a bowl. Bring sauce to a boil on the stovetop. Add egg noodles and cook about 5 minutes until al dente. 🍜
8. Combine + bake: Shred beef and stir back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle fontina evenly over the top and return to oven for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. 🧀
9. Finish: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. 😋

Multitask tip: Grate cheese while the beef cools and noodles cook.

Pro Tips

• Best beef cut: Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes incredibly tender after braising.
• Cheese swap: Gruyère or mozzarella work well if you don’t have fontina.
• Make ahead: Assemble through the noodle step, refrigerate, then add cheese and bake before serving.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 serving	610	38g	42g	30g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

This Beef Noodle Casserole is the definition of slow-cooked comfort rich, hearty, and finished with irresistible melted cheese. It’s perfect for feeding family, impressing guests, or stocking your fridge with leftovers you’ll actually be excited to eat. Cozy dinners don’t get much better than this. 🍲✨