This easy Noodle Casserole delivers classic lasagna flavors in a faster, budget-friendly bake. Kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why We Love This Easy Noodle Casserole
Faster than lasagna but packed with all the nostalgic, saucy, cheesy flavors everyone loves, this Noodle Casserole is a go-to family favorite. The ingredients are simple—egg noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, ground beef, tomato sauce—yet somehow the combination becomes so much more than the sum of its parts.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Faster Than Traditional Lasagna
No layering noodles, no long simmering, no ricotta mixing. Just cook, stir, assemble, bake, and done.
2. Classic, Comforting Flavors
Tomato sauce, noodles, cheese, beef—there’s a reason these ingredients have been family favorites for generations.
3. Creamy + Savory Combo
The mixture of cottage cheese, sour cream, and green onions adds creaminess and tang that balances the savory meat sauce.
4. Budget-Friendly & Hearty
Simple ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd (or provide leftovers for lunch).
5. Freezer-Friendly
Make one for tonight and freeze one for later—a lifesaver on busy days.
In my house, this casserole disappears faster than my kids when it’s time to do the dishes. Seconds, thirds, and scraped plates are the norm. I especially love that it comes together quickly on busy weeknights. When I double the batch, I can get two casseroles for almost the same amount of work—one for dinner, one for the freezer. It may not be the most glamorous dish, but it’s cozy, comforting, and always a win at the table.
Substitutions & Variations:
Protein
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Italian sausage
- Lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version
Cheese
- Ricotta in place of cottage cheese
- Mozzarella instead of cheddar
- Parmesan sprinkled on top for extra richness
Mix-Ins
- Sliced mushrooms
- Spinach or kale
- Bell peppers
- A spoonful of Italian seasoning to deepen the lasagna flavor
Noodle Options
- Any short pasta: penne, rotini, fusilli
- Gluten-free egg noodles work beautifully
Looking for More Pasta Dishes?
Easy Noodle Casserole
Faster than lasagna but packed with all the nostalgic, saucy, cheesy flavors everyone loves, this Noodle Casserole is a go-to family favorite.
Servings: 8
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Cook egg noodles al dente according to package directions. Drain.
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Brown ground beef (optional: cook with ¼ cup chopped onion).
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Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic salt to beef. Simmer 5 minutes.
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In a bowl, combine drained noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
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Spread half of noodle mixture into the dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers and finish with grated cheese.
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Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
