Description
Hearty beef noodle casserole combines comforting pasta with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and creamy cheese. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Boil egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess grease.
- Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate bowl, whisking until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Grease a casserole dish and create strategic layers: spread half the cooked noodles, cover with half the meat sauce, then distribute the creamy cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top layer, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden crust.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Perfectly drain noodles to prevent soggy casserole texture by shaking colander and letting pasta air dry for a minute.
- Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
- Customize the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Enhance meal prep by assembling casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and creates an even more delicious final dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg