Creamy Hamburger Noodle Casserole

This creamy beef noodle casserole has all the comfort of lasagna with a simpler, family-friendly assembly. Ground beef and spaghetti sauce are layered with tender noodles, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella for a rich casserole that works well for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta noodles, such as rotini, penne, shells, or egg noodles
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.
3. While the pasta cooks, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
5. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
6. Drain the excess grease, then stir the spaghetti sauce into the cooked beef.
7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
8. Spoon half of the creamy noodle mixture over the sauce and spread it evenly.
9. Add about half of the remaining meat sauce.
10. Layer the remaining creamy noodles over the meat sauce.
11. Spread the rest of the meat sauce over the top.
12. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the center reaches 165°F.
14. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.