If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s full of creamy flavor and comforting nostalgia, this Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas and brings everyone running to the table. The first time I made it, I was trying to use up leftover ground beef and a container of cottage cheese, and what came out of the oven was an instant family favorite — hearty, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Now, it’s one of my go-to casseroles for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. It’s simple, affordable, and crowd-pleasing — much like my Cottage Cheese Beef Stroganoff and Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake. Each bite is full of tender noodles, perfectly seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella — a comforting combination that never fails to satisfy.
Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Layer half of the noodles in the baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce, then the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake
This Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake is the perfect mix of creamy and hearty, with layers of ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce, and cottage cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to prepare, great for feeding a crowd, and makes amazing leftovers. Plus, it’s a family-friendly meal that both kids and adults love.
If you enjoy warm, comforting recipes like my Quick Beef Stroganoff or Shepherd’s Pie Soup, this dish will fit right into your comfort food rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a mild kick
This bake pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh dishes like my Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes for dessert or a side of Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake for a double hit of comfort.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Sauce
Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Layer half of the noodles in the baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce, then the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
Step 7: Bake & Serve
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley.
This layering process is as easy and satisfying as making my Chicken Enchilada Soup — simple, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake
- Cook noodles al dente: They’ll continue to soften in the oven.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese: It makes the sauce extra creamy.
- Let it rest before serving: It helps everything set nicely.
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work beautifully.
These same casserole tricks make my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup so delicious — layering texture and flavor is key.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered at 350°F until hot.
Just like my Kielbasa Potato Soup, this bake tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a bit of cheddar for sharper flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles for an easy swap.
Like my Buffalo Chicken Bowls, this dish is endlessly customizable — tweak it to your taste and make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta works beautifully and gives a smoother texture.
2. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake?
Absolutely — assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely — ground turkey makes it lighter but still delicious.
The Final Bite
This Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake is everything you want in a cozy, homemade dinner — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and so satisfying. It’s an easy weeknight favorite that feels like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen but fits right into modern, busy life.
Every bite is warm, savory, and comforting — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a feel-good meal that brings everyone together.