Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

2 cups canned tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

8 ounces egg noodles

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cottage cheese

1 cup chopped green onions

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned.

Step 3: Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar to the beef and mix well. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: While the beef mixture simmers, boil the egg noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain the noodles once cooked.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and chopped green onions.

Step 8: Add the drained egg noodles to the bowl with the sour cream mixture and stir to coat the noodles evenly.

Step 9: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat mixture, and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture, meat mixture, and top with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 11: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan.

Try adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra veggie goodness.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary preferences.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled on top before serving add a nice touch of freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through or bake in a 350-degree oven until hot and bubbly. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheddar is traditional, but you can substitute mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, allowing extra time if baking straight from the fridge.