Description
A hearty baked casserole made with seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, a creamy tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheddar cheese for a comforting family-style dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook while breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- In a bowl mix sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles on top of the cream layer.
- Pour the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the noodles before baking to prevent a mushy texture.
- Ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese for a smoother consistency.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef for a lighter version.
- Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
