Print

Cheesy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/cheesy-ground-beef-noodle-bake-recipe/