Easy Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Recipe -

Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer on low for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Make the creamy layer
In a medium bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese together until smooth.
Assemble the casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Half of the meat sauce
- Spoon over half of the sour cream mixture
- Sprinkle with a little cheese
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the top is melted and bubbly.
Cool and serve
Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the layers hold together.

Use any pasta shape you like — even egg noodles work well.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
For a richer flavor, mix half cheddar and half mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.