Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole packed with layers of savory ground beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheddar. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or gatherings, this comforting dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the Dairy Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles, then season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture into the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining noodles and sauce to create two layers.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the cheese by using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite varieties.
- For added nutrients, mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American