Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

Introduction

This hearty noodle bake combines tender egg noodles with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, layered with creamy cottage cheese and melted cheddar. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces wide egg noodles
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (I used RAO’s brand)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
• 1 ¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Step 4: While the noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir often until beef is no longer pink.
5. Step 5: Drain any excess oil from the beef mixture.
6. Step 6: Return the beef mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to medium.
7. Step 7: Stir in the marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook just until the mixture simmers, then remove from heat.
8. Step 8: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
9. Step 9: Stir the cooked and cooled noodles into the cottage cheese mixture until evenly coated.
10. Step 10: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
11. Step 11: Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the noodle layer.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
13. Step 13: Repeat layers with remaining noodles, beef mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
14. Step 14: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and the beef mixture is bubbling. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Storage

Store leftover noodle bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute wide egg noodles with penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta that holds up well in baking.

How do I prevent the bake from drying out?

Make sure to use enough sauce and sour cream mixture to keep the noodles moist. Covering the dish with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking can also help retain moisture.

Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

This hearty Noodle Bake features tender egg noodles layered with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, creamy cottage cheese and sour cream blend, and topped with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining rich flavors and textures in an easy-to-make baked dish.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces wide egg noodles

Meat and Sauce

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
• 24 ounces Marinara Sauce (RAO’s brand recommended)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided

Dairy and Garnishes

• 1 ¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cook noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
3. Cook ground beef mixture: While the noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, stirring often until the beef is no longer pink.
4. Drain excess oil: Remove and drain any excess oil from the beef mixture to reduce greasiness.
5. Simmer sauce with beef: Return the meat mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Stir in marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
6. Prepare creamy mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to blend.
7. Combine noodles with creamy mixture: Add the cooked and cooled noodles to the creamy mixture, stirring until noodles are well coated.
8. Assemble casserole layers: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the ground beef and marinara mixture. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
9. Repeat layering: Layer the remaining sour cream noodle mixture, then the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish with the final 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
10. Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the beef mixture is heated through. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the casserole.
• Rinsing noodles with cold water after cooking prevents them from overcooking and sticking together.
• You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Noodle Bake, Ground Beef Casserole, Cheesy Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Baked Noodles