Crazy Good Casserole (Print version)

Layers of seasoned beef, a rich cream cheese filling, egg noodles, and bubbling cheddar make this the casserole everyone requests on repeat.

# Ingredients:

For the beef layer

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, drained
05 - 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

For the cream filling

09 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
10 - 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
11 - 1/2 cup (115 g) small-curd cottage cheese

For the noodles and topping

12 - 8 oz (225 g) wide egg noodles
13 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - Cooking spray or butter for the baking dish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles in well-salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directs. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat up, until no pink remains and the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
03 - Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and cottage cheese and stir until fully combined with no lumps remaining.
05 - Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread half the beef sauce evenly across the bottom. Layer all the cooked noodles on top. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the cream layer. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top.
06 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden at the edges and the sides are visibly bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Good to know:

01 - Rest the casserole 5 minutes before slicing so the cream layer sets and portions hold their shape.
02 - Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling with no lumps.

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