I’m about to share something that’ll make your weeknight dinner dilemma disappear faster than your resolve to meal prep on Sundays. This corned beef noodle casserole isn’t just another throw-together dish—it’s the kind of comfort food that transforms humble pantry staples into something your family will actually request again. You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge like it holds the secrets of the universe? This recipe solves that problem with ingredients you probably already have.
Why you’ll love this dish
When you’re staring into your pantry wondering what magic you can conjure from a can of corned beef hash, this casserole becomes your culinary superhero.
I love how it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy cheese sauce binds everything together beautifully, while the noodles provide that comforting carb base we all crave.
Plus, it’s basically foolproof – even if you’re still figuring out the difference between sautéing and sweating onions. One dish, minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.
Sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.
Ingredients
Getting your ingredients together for this corned beef noodle casserole is like assembling a team of comfort food all-stars. You’ll notice this recipe calls for pantry staples and refrigerator basics – the kind of stuff that’s probably hanging out in your kitchen right now, just waiting for their moment to shine.
- 1 (15 ounce) can peas
- Milk (amount varies based on pea liquid)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 2 cups noodles, cooked
- 1 (1 lb) can corned beef hash
The beauty of this ingredient list lies in its flexibility and forgiveness. When it comes to the cheese, any good melting variety will work – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend from those pre-shredded bags that somehow multiply in your refrigerator. The milk measurement gets a little tricky since you’re combining it with the liquid from the peas, but don’t stress about precision here. If you end up with slightly more or less than the 1 1/2 cups total, your casserole will still turn out delicious. As for the noodles, wide egg noodles are traditional, but honestly, whatever pasta shape you have lurking in your pantry will do the job just fine.
Directions
Making this corned beef noodle casserole is surprisingly straightforward, though it does involve a few steps that might make you feel like a proper chef for about five minutes.
Start by draining your 1 (15 ounce) can of peas and saving that liquid – yes, that slightly murky pea juice is actually going to be useful for once. Measure the liquid and add enough milk to make 1 1/2 cups total.
Now comes the fancy part: melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan, then blend in 2 tablespoons of flour and a pinch of salt to create what’s basically a roux, though we’re not trying to impress anyone with French cooking terms here.
Slowly add your pea liquid and milk mixture, stirring constantly like your life depends on it because nobody wants lumpy sauce. Bring this whole situation to a boil while continuing to stir, then remove it from heat and stir in your 1/2 cup of grated cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce until everything melts together into creamy perfection.
The assembly process is where this casserole really starts to look like something your grandmother would be proud of.
Take about 3/4 cup of your 2 cups of cooked noodles and spread them in the bottom of a 6 x 10 inch baking pan – and honestly, if your pan is slightly different dimensions, the casserole police aren’t going to come knocking.
Layer on some of those drained peas, chunks of the 1 (1 lb) can of corned beef hash, and a generous pour of your cream sauce. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, but here’s the trick: end with the hash arranged in a border around the edge of the pan, which gives it this rustic, homestyle look that says “I totally meant to do that.”
If you’re planning to make this recipe frequently or want to scale it up for a crowd, consider investing in a professional stock pot set to handle larger batches of your cream sauce and noodles more efficiently.
Pop the whole thing into a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that somehow transforms humble pantry ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Substitutions and Variations
While this casserole recipe works beautifully as written, you’ve got plenty of wiggle room to make it your own, especially if you’re staring into your pantry wondering why you have three cans of green beans but no peas.
I’d swap those peas for green beans, corn, or mixed vegetables without hesitation.
Can’t find corned beef hash? Regular corned beef works perfectly.
You can also substitute any pasta shape for the noodles—rotini holds sauce wonderfully.
Different cheeses? Go wild. Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or even cream cheese create delicious variations that’ll make this dish uniquely yours.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
Once you’ve customized this hearty casserole to your heart’s content, you’ll want to round out the meal with sides that complement its rich, creamy nature without competing for attention.
I’m thinking fresh, crisp elements that cut through all that cheesy goodness. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works wonders, or maybe some roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of lemon.
Crusty bread for sopping up extra sauce? Absolutely necessary.
For something lighter, steamed broccoli or green beans add color and crunch.
Trust me, your guests will appreciate having something fresh alongside this comfort food masterpiece.
Final Thought
As comfort food goes, this corned beef noodle casserole hits every single note you’re craving on a cold Tuesday night.
It’s hearty without being heavy, familiar without being boring. The layers meld together into something that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.
I love how the cheese sauce binds everything together, creating those satisfying, gooey bites that make you forget you’re eating leftovers reimagined.
This isn’t fancy food, and that’s exactly the point. Sometimes you need a dish that just works, no drama required.
This casserole delivers every single time, guaranteed comfort included.
