Cheesy Egg Noodle Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion (chopped or diced)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Minced garlic may be substituted, as mentioned by the author.)
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce (1 jar)
• 12 oz egg noodles (1 bag; boil according to package directions)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 block, softened)
• 0.25 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (The source also describes this as fresh Parmesan.)
• shredded Colby Jack cheese (For topping; shredded mozzarella or cheddar may be substituted.)
• dried parsley flakes (For topping, to taste.)
• oil or cooking spray (For greasing the 9-by-13-inch baking dish.)

Steps

1. 1

   Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Season the beef mixture with the salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Drain any excess grease.

3. 3

   While the beef cooks, boil the egg noodles according to the directions on the package, then drain them.

4. 4

   Once the beef is browned, add the marinara or pasta sauce. Stir to combine, reduce the heat to low, and simmer.

5. 5

   In a bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta, softened cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese.

6. 6

   Add the cooked egg noodles to the cheese mixture and stir until the noodles are well coated.

7. 7

   Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cheese-coated noodles across the bottom.

8. 8

   Spread half of the ground-beef and pasta-sauce mixture over the noodles.

9. 9

   Add the remaining noodles to the baking dish, then spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.

10. 10

    Cover the casserole with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mozzarella or cheddar may be used instead.

11. 11

    Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

12. 12

    Top with dried parsley flakes and serve carefully while hot.

Notes

The author says this makes enough to feed a family of four for two nights. The quantity of topping cheese and parsley is not specified. The source does not state whether the casserole should be covered while baking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• baked
• comfort food
• family dinner
• ground beef
• pasta
• kid-friendly