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Cheesy Ground Beef Egg Noodle Casserole

Rich in flavor and layered with nostalgia, this classic noodle casserole blends creamy textures with savory beef and tomato undertones. Often praised for its simplicity and affordability, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
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Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese separated into two portions
  • ½ cup cultured sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 8 ounces of wide egg noodles
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • ½ cup small curd cottage cheese
  • 1 can 15 ounces of tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes, liquid drained

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a touch of oil.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the packaging. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onion together until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Carefully drain off any excess fat.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 5 to 7 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • In a separate bowl, blend together the sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined. Add the cooked noodles to this creamy mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  • To assemble, layer half of the noodle and cream mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef and tomato mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and the final cup of cheese on top.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges are bubbling.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Slice and serve warm.