Egg-Noodle Casserole homemade Recipe (Creamy & Classic)

“This simple cheese-melt trick makes egg-noodle casserole extra creamy and ultra-stretchy — without adding more sauce.”

This comforting egg-noodle casserole homemade recipe brings you the creamy, cozy flavors we all crave on busy weeknights. It’s simple, family-friendly, and flexible enough to make with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. If you enjoy hearty, cheesy meals Olike this easy tater tot casserole , you’re going to love this classic dish.

The secret? Melt part of the cheese directly into the hot noodles before assembling the casserole. The heat coats every noodle so the sauce sticks better, giving you a creamier, richer casserole with fewer dry spots — all without adding more sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick prep: The sauce mixes together in minutes, and the noodles cook fast.
Budget-friendly: Most ingredients are inexpensive and stretch to feed a crowd.
Customizable: Easily adjust veggies, meat, or seasoning to fit your taste.
Pure comfort: Tender egg noodles baked with cream sauce and melted cheese is the definition of cozy.

Ingredients

This egg-noodle casserole homemade recipe uses familiar ingredients and classic pantry shortcuts. Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz egg noodles
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, diced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

This casserole comes together in a few simple steps. If you like creamy bakes like homemade green bean casserole or cheesy classics such as baked mac and cheese , you’ll feel right at home here.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the egg noodles until just tender. Drain, return to the pot, and while they’re still hot, stir in half of the shredded cheddar until lightly melted.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess grease.
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and half the shredded cheddar.
Add the cooked noodles and meat mixture to the bowl and toss gently to coat.
Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden around the edges.

Top-down view of homemade egg-noodle casserole with browned cheesy top

Tips & Variations

Add veggies: Mushrooms, corn, spinach, or chopped bell peppers mix in beautifully.
Swap the protein: Shredded chicken, canned tuna, or Italian sausage all work great.
Extra creamy: Add 2–3 tbsp cream cheese for a silkier sauce.
Make it spicy: Stir in 1–2 tbsp diced green chiles or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Substitutions

A homemade egg-noodle casserole is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to make it your own.

Noodles: Swap egg noodles for rotini or penne if needed.
Soup base: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of mushroom.
Dairy: Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream for a tangier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp side dish like cucumber carrot salad or a warm veggie side such as creamy peas . A simple green salad or garlic bread also works nicely.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes — assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I make it without canned soup?

Absolutely. Make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings, then use it in place of the soup.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar melts nicely, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend all work great.

More to Try

Conclusion

This egg-noodle casserole homemade recipe is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying dinner. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become one of your most reliable weeknight meals. Keep it classic or try new mix-ins — either way, this hearty dish will be a family favorite.