Why You’ll Love Noodle Bake Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand. It combines creamy, cheesy layers with savory beef and pasta for a meal that feels both cozy and filling. It is also great for feeding a family, making ahead of time, and enjoying as leftovers since the flavors become even better after baking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 ounces wide egg noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
½ tablespoon garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
1 ¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
1 ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring water to a low boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring often until the beef is no longer pink.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the beef mixture to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. Cook just until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, green onions, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Add the cooked and cooled egg noodles to the bowl and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
Spread half of the noodle mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture, the rest of the beef mixture, and the final cup of cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot and bubbling. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation and cooking time together takes about 50 minutes. That includes the time needed to boil the noodles, prepare the beef mixture, assemble the casserole, and bake it until hot and bubbly.
Variations
You can easily change this noodle bake to fit your taste or what you have available. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor. Add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to make it more hearty and colorful. You can also use mozzarella in place of one of the cheeses for an extra gooey topping. For a little heat, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover noodle bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate it directly if preferred.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave and heat until warmed through. For larger amounts, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until hot. If the casserole seems a little dry after refrigeration, add a spoonful of marinara sauce before reheating to help keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make noodle bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it is going into the oven cold.
Can I freeze noodle bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, although egg noodles work especially well because of their soft texture. Other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or medium shells can also be used.
Do I have to rinse the noodles?
Rinsing the noodles helps stop the cooking process so they do not become too soft in the oven. It also cools them slightly before mixing with the creamy ingredients.
Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese is a good substitute if you prefer a smoother texture. The flavor will still be creamy and rich.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?
A good-quality marinara sauce with rich tomato flavor works best. Choose one you already enjoy since it adds a lot to the overall taste of the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The noodle bake is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the beef mixture is bubbling around the edges. The center should be hot all the way through.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, you can add more cheese if you like an extra cheesy casserole. A little mozzarella or Parmesan on top also works well.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, it is excellent for leftovers. The flavors blend together even more after resting, making it just as delicious the next day.
What can I serve with noodle bake?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Noodle bake is a classic comfort food meal that brings together tender noodles, creamy layers, savory beef, and melty cheese in every bite. It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to serve for a family gathering or casual weekend meal. With simple ingredients and plenty of make-ahead appeal, this is a recipe you will want to keep in regular rotation.
Noodle Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting, cheesy noodle bake layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
- 1 1/4 cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a low boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease and return the mixture to the skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat until simmering, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, green onions, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with half of the beef mixture and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, beef mixture, and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
