Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole is a hearty and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender beef chuck roast and wide egg noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lb. beef chuck roast, cut into 2-in. pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 2 medium yellow onions, coarsely grated
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
• 6 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 6 cups best-quality beef broth
• 1 (12-oz.) package wide egg noodles
• 1 (8-oz.) block fontina cheese, freshly grated
• Finely chopped parsley, for serving

How To Make Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole

1. Prep and Brown the Beef: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown half of the beef on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and repeat with the remaining beef.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the grated onion and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until softened. Add the grated garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste and flour, and cook for about 2 minutes, until the tomato paste has darkened slightly. Carefully pour in the beef stock, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Braise the Beef: Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
5. Cook Noodles and Shred Beef: Remove the pot from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a clean bowl and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, return the Dutch oven to the stovetop, bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, and add the egg noodles. Cook for about 5 minutes until al dente.
6. Assemble and Bake: While the noodles cook, use two forks to shred the beef. When the noodles are cooked, stir the shredded beef back into the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the grated fontina cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Final Bake: Return the uncovered pot to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do you get the most tender beef? The key is the low-and-slow braising time in the oven. Cooking the chuck roast for over 2 hours breaks down the tough connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender beef that shreds easily.
• Why cook the noodles in the braising liquid? Cooking the egg noodles directly in the beefy broth from the braise allows them to absorb a huge amount of flavor, making the entire casserole richer and more delicious than if they were cooked in plain water.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes. Fontina is great because it melts beautifully, but you could also use Gruyère, provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can braise the beef (steps 1-4) up to two days in advance. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the broth on the stove, cook the noodles, and proceed with the final assembly and bake.

What To Serve With Beef Noodle Casserole

This hearty, all-in-one casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A simple green salad with a bright, tangy vinaigrette.
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
• Warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

How To Store Beef Noodle Casserole

Store: Cover the Dutch oven or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. The noodles will soften further upon reheating.

Beef Noodle Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beef Ragu Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Beef Stroganoff Soup Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Beef Stroganoff Recipe