Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean or 80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) wide egg noodles or elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
Creamy Cheese Layer
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy layer for the casserole.
- Assemble and Bake: In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of the cooked noodles evenly. Top with the seasoned beef mixture, then spread the creamy cheese mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prepping.
- Consider using lean ground beef to reduce the fat content if desired.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- You can substitute the egg noodles with elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
