Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole recipe

This cheesy ground beef noodle casserole is warm, simple and comforting. Tender noodles, seasoned beef and melted cheese come together in a cozy dish that fills the kitchen with a homemade aroma everyone loves. It uses basic ingredients, comes together easily and feeds a family with ease. The leftovers stay delicious and the recipe works for busy nights or relaxed weekends when you want something hearty without extra effort.

Ingredients Needed

For the casserole

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the noodles

Boil the noodles in salted water until just tender, about seven minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the beef mixture

Heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add the beef, brown it, and drain the fat. Season it, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer for five minutes.

Mix the creamy layer

Combine the sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix until smooth and creamy. This creates the soft layer that blends with the noodles and beef.

Assemble the casserole

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking dish. Layer the noodles, add the creamy mixture, then the beef mixture, and top with cheddar cheese.

Bake

Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the cheese melts and the edges bubble. Let it rest for five minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This casserole is very flexible and easy to customize. You can boost the tomato flavor with a little tomato paste or add heat with crushed red pepper. Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, peas or spinach can be added for extra color and texture. You can also switch the cheese to mozzarella or Monterey Jack or use ground turkey instead of beef. For a creamier middle, add more sour cream or use cream cheese. Feel free to adjust the flavors until it fits your taste.

Nutritional Information

The nutrition will vary slightly by brand, but one serving from an eight portion casserole provides about four hundred thirty calories, twenty five grams of protein, thirty two grams of carbohydrates, twenty four grams of fat, three grams of fiber and around seven hundred milligrams of sodium. It is a filling and balanced comfort meal that offers a satisfying mix of protein and carbs.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy ground beef noodle casserole is satisfying on its own, but simple sides make it even better. A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast and garlic bread or dinner rolls are great for soaking up the sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini or green beans also pair well. For a lighter touch you can add a small fruit salad, and for gatherings it goes perfectly with an easy dessert like vanilla pudding or soft chocolate chip cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions