Beef Noodle Casserole with Cheddar Cheese Topping
Dig into the ultimate comfort dish with this Beef Noodle Casserole with Cheddar Cheese Topping a hearty, cheesy classic that’s perfect for family dinners! Tender egg noodles are layered with savory ground beef, a rich, flavorful sauce, and topped with a golden, melty cheddar cheese crust.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole Base:
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for creamier texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for layering)
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce : In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture : In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole : In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer as follows: Half the noodles. Half the creamy mixture, Half the meat sauce, Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar Repeat layers, finishing with remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish u0026 Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.