Description

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cheesy aroma of a homemade casserole baking in the oven. This dish is comfort food at its finest—tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every bite. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any time you need a little culinary hug.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
1 cup (240 g) sour cream
1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese (optional)
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Noodles

Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a small drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onion and garlic. Break up meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Make Meat Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Layer

Mix sour cream and cottage cheese (if using) in a medium bowl. Don’t worry if cottage cheese is lumpy—it will melt into creamy pockets during baking.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Spread half of the noodles in the prepared baking dish.
Spread half of the sour cream mixture over noodles.
Spoon half of the meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar.
Repeat layers with remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, meat sauce, and top with the last cup of cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake directly from the fridge, adding 10-15 min. Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
Creamier: Substitute cottage cheese with cream cheese.
Add Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the beef.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Different Pasta: Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta works perfectly.

Nutrition

Calories: 480 cal Per Serving
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28 g