Description
The Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole is a delectable dish perfect for warming up your dinner table on cool evenings or bringing comfort to your family meals. This recipe combines the savory richness of ground beef, the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce, and the creamy texture of sour cream and cottage cheese, all layered with soft egg noodles and melty Colby Jack cheese. This casserole is not just hearty but also straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (additional for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (additional for seasoning)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Break the beef into crumbles and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Include the minced garlic into the skillet, stirring until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce along with ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook Egg Noodles
While the sauce simmers, cook and drain the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
Step 6: Mix Dairy Components and Seasonings
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 7: Combine Noodles with Cheese Mixture
Add the cooked noodles to the cheese mixture, stirring until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
Step 8-11: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the shredded cheese in the prepared baking dish. Repeat the layers with the remainder of the ingredients.
Step 12: Bake
Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through. Serve immediately.
Servings & Preparation Time
Serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is around 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 40 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warm throughout. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Freeze individual portions for a quick meal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.
Conclusion
The Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole is a versatile, comforting dish that is perfect for any day of the week. Its rich and creamy layers ensure satisfaction with every bite. By following the steps laid out above, you can recreate this tasty casserole in your own kitchen and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
The Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole is a delectable dish perfect for warming up your dinner table on cool evenings or bringing comfort to your family meals. This recipe combines the savory richness of ground beef, the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce, and the creamy texture of sour cream and cottage cheese, all layered with soft egg noodles and melty Colby Jack cheese. This casserole is not just hearty but also straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (additional for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (additional for seasoning)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook Beef and Onion In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Break the beef into crumbles and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Garlic Include the minced garlic into the skillet, stirring until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Seasonings Stir in the tomato sauce along with ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Cook Egg Noodles While the sauce simmers, cook and drain the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
- Step 6: Mix Dairy Components and Seasonings In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Step 7: Combine Noodles with Cheese Mixture Add the cooked noodles to the cheese mixture, stirring until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
- Step 8-11: Assemble the Casserole Layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the shredded cheese in the prepared baking dish. Repeat the layers with the remainder of the ingredients.
- Step 12: Bake Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes