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Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

This Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole featuring wide egg noodles coated in a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture layered with a savory marinara beef sauce, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, this dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors ideal for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles

Beef Sauce

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic
  • 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce (e.g. RAO’s brand)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided in half
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided in half

Creamy Mixture

  • 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions

Cheese Topping

  • 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
  2. Cook Egg Noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  3. Brown Ground Beef Mixture: While noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add Marinara Sauce and Seasoning: Return the beef mixture to the skillet on medium heat. Stir in marinara sauce along with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Heat just until it starts to simmer, then remove from heat.
  5. Mix Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine small curd cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until combined.
  6. Combine Noodles with Cream Sauce: Add the cooled noodles to the creamy mixture and gently stir until noodles are evenly coated.
  7. Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish: Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over it, then sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top.
  8. Repeat Layers and Top with Cheese: Repeat with the remaining noodle mixture and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the last 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing to help the layers set. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting noodle bake.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
  • Rinsing noodles after cooking prevents overcooking and sticking.
  • You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce or homemade tomato sauce.
  • For a richer texture, try using whole milk cottage cheese instead of 4% or add mozzarella cheese in the topping mix.
  • Make ahead option: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly and refrigerate; bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: Ground beef casserole, creamy noodle bake, cheesy beef pasta, baked noodle casserole, family dinner recipe

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/creamy-ground-beef-noodle-bake-recipe/