Beef Noodle Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 pound of ground beef
02 - 12 ounces uncooked egg noodles
03 - 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
04 - 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 15 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
07 - 15 ounces tomato sauce
08 - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and pepper (adjust to taste)
10 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

→ Creamy & Cheese Elements

11 - ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
12 - 8 ounces sour cream
13 - 8 ounces small curd cottage cheese
14 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
15 - Chopped fresh parsley for decoration

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook noodles until tender, rinse with cold water, and toss in olive oil so they don't stick together.
02 - In a skillet, cook ground beef, crumbling it into small pieces as it browns. Drain off any extra fat.
03 - Toss the garlic and onion into the beef, stirring and cooking until they smell amazing (about 3 minutes).
04 - Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, some red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Let it bubble and thicken for about 5 minutes.
05 - Mix the cooked noodles, sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan in a big bowl.
06 - In a 9x13 dish, layer half the noodle mixture on the bottom, then half the beef mixture, and sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat and add the rest of the cheddar on top.
07 - Pop it into the oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
08 - Top with parsley if you'd like and enjoy it while it's hot!

# Notes:

01 - Try adding jalapeños or cayenne if you want it spicier.
02 - Sprinkle bacon bits if you're a fan of bold flavors.
03 - This is a great dish to make ahead of time for a crowd.
04 - Reheats beautifully for leftovers too.