Incredibly Easy Casserole (Printable Version)
A creamy, cheesy noodle and beef bake that's become a fan-favorite comfort food classic for busy weeknights and gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 -
1 (12-oz.) package uncooked extra-wide egg noodles
02 -
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
03 -
1/2 cup cottage cheese
04 -
1/4 cup sour cream
05 -
5 oz. low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups), divided
06 -
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
07 -
1 tsp. black pepper, divided
→ Meat Sauce
08 -
1 tsp. canola oil
09 -
1 lb. 90/10 lean ground beef
10 -
1 small (7 oz.) sweet onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
11 -
1 small (7 oz.) bell pepper, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
12 -
2 large garlic cloves, chopped (about 2 tsp.)
13 -
1 (24-oz.) jar marinara sauce
→ For Preparation
14 -
Cooking spray
15 -
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
# Steps To Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add noodles and cook according to package directions for al dente. Remove from heat, and drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
03 -
Return noodles to pot; stir in cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until fully combined. Gently stir in reserved cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, until mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
04 -
Transfer to prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper. Set aside.
05 -
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; cook, stirring often to crumble, until beef is lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion and bell pepper are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
06 -
Reduce heat in skillet to medium; add marinara sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, just until beginning to simmer, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
07 -
Spread beef mixture in an even layer over pasta mixture, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
08 -
Loosely cover baking dish using aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven until edges are bubbling and cheese is just beginning to melt, 10 to 15 minutes. Uncover and bake at 350°F until cheese is fully melted and pasta is heated through, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
This comforting dish is traditionally called 'company casserole' because it's easy to prepare and perfect for serving when guests are over.
02 -
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for variation.
03 -
Bake loosely covered with foil as directed, removing to melt the cheese. Avoid overbaking to prevent the casserole from drying out.