This simple Noodle Casserole delivers traditional lasagna flavors in a sooner, budget-friendly bake. Child-approved, freezer-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Why We Love This Straightforward Noodle Casserole
Sooner than lasagna however full of all of the nostalgic, saucy, tacky flavors everybody loves, this Noodle Casserole is a go-to household favourite. The elements are easy—egg noodles, cottage cheese, bitter cream, floor beef, tomato sauce—but in some way the mixture turns into a lot greater than the sum of its elements.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Sooner Than Conventional Lasagna
No layering noodles, no lengthy simmering, no ricotta mixing. Simply prepare dinner, stir, assemble, bake, and achieved.
2. Traditional, Comforting Flavors
Tomato sauce, noodles, cheese, beef—there’s a purpose these elements have been household favorites for generations.
3. Creamy + Savory Combo
The combination of cottage cheese, bitter cream, and inexperienced onions provides creaminess and tang that balances the savory meat sauce.
4. Funds-Pleasant & Hearty
Easy elements that stretch to feed a crowd (or present leftovers for lunch).
5. Freezer-Pleasant
Make one for tonight and freeze one for later—a lifesaver on busy days.
In my home, this casserole disappears sooner than my children when it’s time to do the dishes. Seconds, thirds, and scraped plates are the norm. I particularly love that it comes collectively shortly on busy weeknights. Once I double the batch, I can get two casseroles for nearly the identical quantity of labor—one for dinner, one for the freezer. It might not be essentially the most glamorous dish, however it’s cozy, comforting, and at all times a win on the desk.
Substitutions & Variations:
Protein
- Floor turkey or rooster
- Italian sausage
- Lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian model
Cheese
- Ricotta rather than cottage cheese
- Mozzarella as an alternative of cheddar
- Parmesan sprinkled on high for further richness
Combine-Ins
- Sliced mushrooms
- Spinach or kale
- Bell peppers
- A spoonful of Italian seasoning to deepen the lasagna taste
Noodle Choices
- Any brief pasta: penne, rotini, fusilli
- Gluten-free egg noodles work fantastically
In search of Extra Pasta Dishes?
Straightforward Noodle Casserole
Sooner than lasagna however full of all of the nostalgic, saucy, tacky flavors everybody loves, this Noodle Casserole is a go-to household favourite.
Servings: 8
-
Prepare dinner egg noodles al dente in keeping with bundle instructions. Drain.
-
Brown floor beef (optionally available: prepare dinner with ¼ cup chopped onion).
-
Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic salt to beef. Simmer 5 minutes.
-
In a bowl, mix drained noodles, cottage cheese, bitter cream, and inexperienced onions.
-
Unfold half of noodle combination into the dish. High with half of the meat combination. Repeat layers and end with grated cheese.
-
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, till sizzling and bubbly.
